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Bradford Photo. 



George Washington. 



Painting by Gilbert Stuart. 
Independence Hall. 



Heroes 

of 



National History 



BY 



THOMAS GROETZINGER 




PHILADELPHIA 
FRANKLIN PUBLISHING AND SUPPLY COMPANY 



E/Ti. 



1 



Copyright, 1919, by 
Franklin Publishing and Supply Company 



UEG 27 1919 

©CI.A561181 



PREFACE 

Though the biographical approach to history has long 
been recognized, only in recent years has it come into its 
own. Through this approach the child's interest is aroused 
and retained; he lives historical episodes through the life 
of the hero. His desire to know more is quickened and 
he becomes willing and eager to read historical narra- 
tive. 

This volume does not pretend to be a complete biograph- 
ical account of any of the characters selected. The salient 
features of the various lives have been emphasized and 
sufficient detail given to constitute at least a minimum 
requirement. 

In using this volume the alert teacher will first tell the 
story, striving to make the hero live for the child. She will 
use many incidents and details not mentioned. She will 
elaborate and complete many of those told. Then the child 
is ready for the book. Its material will clinch the story 
definitely. From the book he will obtain all that any 
child should be required to remember. 

The characters selected follow, in the main, those recom- 
mended in the Report of the Committee of Eight. They 
follow closely those required in the course of study for the 
fifth year of the Public Schools of Philadelphia. 



4 PREFACE 

Acknowledgments for assistance in supplying authentic il- 
lustrative material are due to Harper & Bros., G. P. Putnam's 
Sons, Underwood and Underwood, the Century Co., the 
Philadelphia Commercial Museum, the Pennsylvania His- 
torical Society, the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the Inter- 
national Harvester Co. of Chicago. Each illustration is 
designed to give an accurate picture or portrait — not 
merely a number of suggestive sketches that may or may 
not convey a proper idea to the pupil's mind. 

The author hopes that this book will solve the problem 
that has long confronted teachers of the first grammar grade. 
The vocabulary is simple and familiar. The sentences are 
short and direct. The paragraphs aim to develop one 
thought to remain clearly in the reader's mind. The bio- 
graphical facts are so arranged as to throw high lights on 
the principal events. 

It contains no more than the average pupil can grasp and 
retain. The material may be amplified in class, and the 
teacher may send the child to the book confident that the 
minimum essentials are there. 

T. G. 

August, 1919. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Benjamin Franklin 9 

Samuel Adams 22 

Patrick Henry 31 

Philadelphia Tea Party 38 

George Washington 41 

Thomas Jefferson 58 

John Paul Jones 63 

Marquis de Lafayette 70 

George Rogers Clark 76 

Robert Morris 83 

Anthony Wayne go 

John Barry 95 

John Peter Muhlenburg 102 

Alexander Hamilton 107 

Stephen Decatur 114 

Oliver Hazard Perry 119 

Stephen Girard 122 

Daniel Boone 129 

Lewis and Clark Expedition 138 

David Crockett 150 

John C. Fremont 159 

5 



6 CO^JTENTS 

PAGE 

Eli Whitney i66 

Robert Fulton 171 

Dewitt Clinton and the Erie Canal 179 

The First Train 184 

Cyrus H. McCormick 189 

Samuel Morse 195 

Alexander Graham Bell 200 

Thomas A. Edison 205 

Lucretla Mott 212 

Harriet Beecher Stowe 217 

Abraham Lincoln 220 

Ulysses S. Grant 228 

Jay Cooke 236 

Robert E. Lee 243 

Grover Cleveland 248 

William McKinley 255 

Clara Barton 261 

Frances E. Willard 266 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 

1706-1790 



TN America, the land of the free, any boy, rich or poor, 
-*• may become a famous man. Many of our famous 
men began Ufe as poor boys. 

More than two hundred years ago Benjamin FrankHn 
was born in Boston. His start in Hfe was lowly. Con- 
stant work, attention to duty, and a readiness to grasp 
each opportunity carried him to the top. 

Franklin was the youngest son in a family of seventeen. 
His father found it difficult to support such a large family. 
Each son had to do his part to help. After two years in 
school, Benjamin, then ten years old, began work making 
candles in his father's shop. 

From early morning until late at night he cut wicks 
or helped dip them into the tallow. The work wearied him. 
With his active mind he could not stand doing the same 
thing over and over. He asked his father to let him try some 
other kind of work. 

Benjamin's father wished to please him, and tried to 
find work for the boy in many trades. At last he decided 
to place him with a printer. An older brother had a print- 
ing house, so Benjamin was apprenticed to this brother to 
learn the trade. 

7 



8 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

During the day Benjamin set type;' at night he read and 
studied in his room. His first book was Bunyan's "Pil- 
grim's Progress," which he read and re-read until he knew it 
by heart. Then he sold it and bought a set of histories. 

Benjamin's brother published a newspaper. The boy 
wanted to write for this paper, but thought that his brother 
would not print anything written by a boy. He wrote a 
story and slipped it under the office door. His brother 
found it, liked it, and printed it in the paper. People liked 
the story, so Benjamin wrote more. 

Benjamin and his brother had many quarrels. These 
quarrels made Benjamin so unhappy that he decided to 
run away. One night he packed his few belongings, stole 
silently from the house, and started for New York. 

On reaching New York he found no book-stores and 
but one printing house. Its owner advised him to go to 
Philadelphia. Said he: 'There are more printing shops in 
Philadelphia and you may be able to find work there." 

Undaunted, the seventeen-year-old lad started on his 
50-mile walk across New Jersey to the Delaware River to 
get the boat to Philadelphia. While on this walk he had a 
fever. He remembered reading that cold water was a sure 
cure. After drinking several glasses of water he went to bed. 
In the morning he awoke perfectly well. 

He reached the Delaware River only to find that the 
boat had just left. He was in despair. Tired, hungry, and 
almost penniless, he looked for a place to sleep. A kind- 
hearted woman gave him a good dinner and a bed for the 
night. 

Early the next morning he walked to the river. There 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 9 

at the wharf was a boat making ready for a trip to Phila- 
delphia. Approaching its captain, Benjamin said, ^'I want 
to go to Philadelphia. May I help row the boat to pay for 
my passage?" ''Come aboard!" replied the captain. 

All day long Franklin helped row the boat down the 
river. Toward night they landed, to wait for daylight. 
Early the next morning, Sunday, they could see the city in 
the distance. A few hours later the boat reached the wharf. 
The tired boy started up High Street (now Market Street) 
looking for food. 

A boy told him the way to a bake shop, where he pur- 
chased three large, puffy rolls. With one under each arm 
and eating the third he walked up the street. Young 
Deborah Reed, standing in her father's doorway, laughed at 
the ridiculous sight. She Httle thought that this odd look- 
ing boy would some day be her husband. 

That Sunday afternoon Franklin spent in a Quaker 
meeting-house, where he soon fell fast asleep. After the 
meeting he went to an inn and had a good night's sleep. 

Early the next morning Benjamin was looking for 
work. He went to Andrew Bradford, who published the 
"American Weekly Mercury," one of the first newspapers in 
America. Bradford had no place for him, but he introduced 
Franklin to Samuel Keimar, who employed him in his 
printing shop. 

Franklin's uncle, who was at New Castle, urged him to 
return to Boston. Benjamin wrote to him telling his reasons 
for staying in Philadelphia. His uncle showed this letter to 
Governor Keith, who was so pleased with it that he called 
to see Franklin at Keimar 's shop. The governor urged 



10 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Franklin to start in the printing business for himself. 
Franklin journeyed to Boston to secure aid from his father, 
but failed to obtain the money. Governor Keith then 
promised to help, and persuaded Benjamin to go to London 
to buy the necessary materials. 

Day after day Franklin waited for aid from the governor. 
Weeks went by, but no news came. It was almost time to 
sail. Just before the ship sailed he heard that the governor 
would meet it at New Castle, so he embarked. 

At New Castle the governor failed to appear, but many 
letters came aboard. Franklin thought that some of these 
letters might be for him, so he contuiued the voyage. He 
landed in London, however, with neither letters nor money. 

He at once sought work, and secured a position in a 
printing shop. He worked hard and saved enough money 
for his return. 

In 1726 Franklin returned to Philadelphia. For a short 
time he was a clerk in a store. Then Samuel Keimar again 
offered him a job in his printing shop. While here he did 
all the press work, cast type, and edited the material. His 
good work and the approval of his many friends made 
Keimar jealous. This annoyed Franklin so much that he 
decided to leave. 

Meredith, a fellow-worker, suggested that . Franklin and 
he should open a printing shop. Meredith's father was 
willing to advance some money, so the two workers planned 
to start in business. 

In those days no printing material could be bought in 
the colonies. The partners must send to London for their 
press and type. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN II 

While they were waiting for their suppHes to come from 
London, Keimar again asked Frankhn to work for him. 
He had a large order from New Jersey for some engravings. 
Franklin accepted and built a copper-plate press to do the 
work. This was the first one ever used in America. 

When their press and type arrived from England Mere- 
dith and Franklin opened their shop. At first business was 
dull; but little by little the two partners secured trade. 
They bought Keimar's newspaper and changed its name to 
the "Pennsylvania Gazette." 

Its witty accounts of many happenings, its interesting 
statements of the news, and its many pages of advertise- 
ments soon made it the leading paper of the colony. 

All printers of those days published almanacs. These 
gave the days of the months and foretold weather conditions. 
In December, 1732, Franklin issued an almanac called 
"Poor Richard's Almanac." This was different from any 
of the others. In addition to the dates and weather proph- 
ecies Franklin added bits of wisdom of his own and 
selections from the many books he had read. These became 
maxims and were told and retold by his readers. They 
were called "Poor Richard's sayings." Some of them are: 

"A word to the wise is sufficient." 

"Necessity is the mother of invention." 

"Early to bed and early to rise make a man healthy, 
wealthy, and wise." 

"The early bird catches the worm." 

"A penny saved is a penny earned." 

In 1758 Franklin selected many of these sayings, wove 
them into the story of his life, and used it as the preface to 



12 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

his almanac of that year. This has been copied in nearly 
every language of the world and is one of the most widely 
read bits of literature in existence. 

Franklin was always interested in Philadelphia, his 
adopted city. While attending to his own business he also 
found time to work to improve its condition. 

Together with eleven friends he formed a debating so- 
ciety called the ''Junto." They met every Friday evening 
to discuss scientific questions and the affairs of the city. 
Later this society became the American Philosophical So- 
ciety, of which Franklin was the first president. This society 
led by Franklin began many of the improvements made in 
early Philadelphia. 

At Franklin's suggestion the members of the Junto 
brought books to the club room to lend to each other. When 
the books began to wear out their owners took them away. 
Gradually the small library disappeared. To begin a new 
one Franklin suggested that fifty people be secured who 
would contribute $io each and pay $2.50 a year for the use 
of the books. After much work the money was secured 
and an order sent to London for the books. 

Soon the meeting place of the Junto became too small 
for the library. They moved to a larger hall. The library 
continued to grow and is still in active use. Today it is 
housed in a fine old house at Juniper and Locust Streets. 
It is known as the Library Company of Philadelphia. This 
is not part of the city's free public library system. 

In old Philadelphia there was no paid police force. A 
constable was appointed who had power to call householders 
to his assistance. Those who wished to avoid^ this duty 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 13 

accepted and built a copper plate press to do the work, the 
first one ever set up in America. 

When their press arrived from England, Franklin and 
Meredith opened their shop. Business was dull, but little 
by little the two partners secured trade, bought Keimar's 
newspaper, and changed its name to the ''Pennsylvania 
Gazette." This paper soon became the leading one of the 
colony. Some of its features were its many pages of adver- 
tisements, its interesting statements of the news, and its 
witty accounts of many happenings. 

All printers of those days published almanacs. These 
gave the days of the months and foretold weather condi- 
tions. In December, 1732, Franklin decided to issue an 
almanac. This he called 'Toor Richard's Almanac." It 
was a novelty in almanacs. In addition to the dry collec- 
tion of dates and weather prophecies, Franklin added bits 
of wisdom culled from his various readings and his own 
invention. It became most popular. The sayings became 
maxims and were told and retold by his readers. They 
were called "Poor Richard's Sayings." Two of them are: 

"A word to the wise is sufficient." 

''Necessity is the mother of invention." 

In 1758 Franklin collected many of these sayings, wove 
them into a story, and used it as the preface to his almanac 
of that year. This has been copied in nearly every language 
of the world and is one of the most widely read bits of lit- 
erature in existence. 

II 

In addition to these business ventures, Franklin was 
busy in other directions. 



14 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

was opened. Three years later a charity school was added 
to provide for one hundred free pupils. 

In 1799 this school became a college, later growing into 
the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin was one of the 
trustees of this college until a short time before his death. 

While working to secure these public improvements he 
was making inventions and studying scientific problems. 

Philadelphia winters were severe and the houses were 
cold. The only source of heat was the open fireplace, where 
you could toast your face and hands while your back was 
almost freezing. Franklin invented a stove that could be 
placed in the room and which would send heat in all direc- 
tions. This stove heated the whole room. Now one could 
sit at the window to read or sew without being cold. Frank- 
lin refused to patent this invention. He did not wish to 
make money from things that gave people comfort. 

Franklin was interested in electricity. He believed that 
lightning is a form of electricity. To prove this he sug- 
gested that a cage big enough to hold a man be placed on a 
high steeple during a thunder storm. Iron wires were to be 
fastened on the outside of the cage. There was no place in 
the city high enough for him to try this. His suggestions 
reached France and England. Scientists read them, and a 
Frenchman decided to try the experiment. A cage was 
built, exposed during a storm, and great sparks were secured 
from the iron wires. This showed that Franklin's belief 
about lightning was right. 

While this was going on in France Franklin tried his 
famous experiment with the kite. He and his son, William, 
went to an open field near 8th and Race Streets. A silk 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 15 

kite held by a silken thread was sent into the thunder clouds. 
At the end of the thread was a copper key. For a long time 
they waited in the shelter of an open shed. Their patience 
was at last rewarded. The fibres of the silken thread stood 
up. Franklin placed his knuckles near the key and a spark 
shot out. The shock he received convinced him that light- 
ning and electricity is the same thing. 

This discovery led to the invention of the lightning-rod. 
This was simply a pointed iron stick fastened above the 
highest parts of a building and connected by rods with the 
earth. During a storm these rods protect the house from 
lightning. Electricity is attracted to the points and is 
carried to the earth by the rods just as trolley wires carry 
electricity. This saves the house from damage. The light- 
ning-rod is a famihar sight on buildings of today. 

Franklin was a man with many interests. He worked 
for his city and he also labored for his country. 

In 1753 the English king appointed Franklin Postmaster- 
general of the Colonies. When Franklin took the position 
the mail service was poor and the roads were worse. Regular 
mails were carried on horseback between New York and 
Philadelphia once a week in the summer and but once in 
two weeks in the winter. It took a month and a half to 
receive a reply from a letter sent from Philadelphia to 
Boston. There was no regular mail service to inland 
towns. These towns depended on chance travelers for 
their mail. 

Franklin at once arranged to improve the roads. He 
increased the mail service between the larger cities and 
started mail routes to many of the smaller towns. 



l6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

General Braddock asked Postmaster-general Franklin to 
secure wagons, horses, and food for the British army in 
Virginia. Franklin secured all the materials and food needed. 
For these services the British General sent him a letter of 
praise. 

In 1764 the colony of Pennsylvania became dissatisfied 
with the government of the Perms. Franklin was sent to 
England to ask the king for a change of government. Soon 
after his arrival Parliament passed the Stamp Act. This 
prevented Franklin from securing the king's consent to a 
change of government for Pennsylvania. 

Franklin opposed the Stamp Act and appeared before 
Parliament to urge them not to pass it. 

After the Stamp Act was passed it aroused so much anger 
in America that ParHament listened to Franklin's advice 
and repealed it. 

However, Parliament still wished to tax the colonies, and 
friends of the king proposed a tax on tea. Franklin told 
thj^m that this tax would make the people in America angry. 
No one listened to him, and Parliament laid the tax. As 
Franklin had predicted, the American people became angry 
and excited. They did not like the tax and demanded that 
it be repealed. Each colony sent men to Philadelphia to 
meet and talk about the actions of the English Government. 
This body of men (the First Continental Congress) met in 
1774. They made a petition demanding the right to lay 
their own taxes. 

This petition was sent to Franklin to give to the king. 
Franklin made arrangements to present the petition to the 
king, but the king refused to receive it. He even threatened 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 1 7 

to arrest Franklin. Franklin decided to leave England 
secretly. On March 21, 1775, he sailed for Philadelphia, 
arriving there a month and a half later. 

He came home to stirring scenes. The battles of Lexing- 
ton and Concord had been fought. Everywhere the people 
were preparing for more fighting. Delegates were sent to 
Philadelphia to form a second Congress. Pennsylvania made 
Franklin one of its delegates. 

In 1775 this Congress (the Second Continental Congress) 
met in Philadelphia. Franklin was one of the leaders. One 
of the first things this Congress did was to make George 
Washington comimander-in-chief of the American army. 

Later Franklin and two other men were sent to Boston 
to secure supplies for this army. This was a difficult task. 
There was little money and supplies were scarce. Never- 
theless Franklin succeeded. When he returned to Phila- 
delphia Congress was discussing independence. Franklin 
at once used his influence in favor of independence. 

Congress appointed a committee to write a declaration 
of independence. FrankHn was a member of the com- 
mittee. The committee met in a house on the northwest 
comer of 7th and Market Streets, Philadelphia. Thomas 
Jefferson wrote the paper, but Franklin helped with many 
suggestions. 

While the members of Congress were signing this Declara- 
tion of Independence John Adams said, "We must all hang 
together." ''Yes," said Franklin, "if we don't hang together 
we shall all hang separately." 

^ The Declaration of Independence did not make the 
colonies independent. A long, hard war had to be fought 




Benjamin Franklin. 



Portrait at Phila. Academy 
of Fine Arts. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 19 

and won. The colonies were small and poor; Great Britain 
was powerful and rich. The new government must seek 
help. France did not like England. If we could get France 
to help us our task would be easier. 

Franklin's writings were well known in France and the 
French people liked him. Here was the man to send for 
aid. Congress chose him at once. Franklin sailed for France 
to ask them for supplies and money. 

He landed in France and was received with honors by 
the French king. Franklin told the king about America 
and induced him to make gifts and to lend large sums of 
money without interest. 

Franklin talked with many Frenchmen and filled them 
with a desire to help. Secret expeditions were prepared and 
started to America to assist the struggling colonists. 

France looked on eagerly. She was longing for a good 
chance to aid America openly, but the English successes in 
New York and New Jersey made her cautious. While France 
was hesitating, news of the great American victory at Sara- 
toga arrived. A whole EngHsh army had surrendered to the 
Americans. 

Franklin seized this opportunity. He carried the news 
to the French king. ''We are going to win," said he. "You 
must help us more. Now is the time for you to recognize 
America as an independent nation." Shortly after this 
France recognized our independence. Franklin still worked 
in France for the American cause and secured more money 
and ships and soldiers. 

With the aid thus secured the Americans defeated the 
English at Yorktown, and England asked for peace. Frank- 



20 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

lin was one of the peace commissioners. His wisdom, 
sagacity, and insight helped to secure the full blessings of 
victory to the American people. 

Franklin, who was now nearly eighty years old, was 
weary and wanted to return to his home. He resigned his 
position and prepared to leave France. Before he left for 
home a dinner was given in his honor. At this dinner the 
English ambassador, rising, gave the toast, 

''To England, the sun, whose bright beams enlighten the 
remotest corner of the earth." 

The French ambassador said, 

"To France, the moon, whose mild, steady, and cheering 
rays are the delight of all nations, consoling them in the 
darkness." 

Then Franklin rose and said, 

"To George Washington, the Joshua, who commanded 
the sun and moon to stand still." 

He left Paris on July 12, 1785, and his journey through 
France was an ovation. Crowds gathered to see him and 
honor the great American. Two months later he was re- 
ceived with many honors in Philadelphia on the very spot 
where sixty-two years before he had landed, a runaway 
apprentice. 

Despite his years, the people of Pennsylvania chose him 
for their governor. Franklin believed that public officers 
should not be paid, so he gave his salary to help establish a 
college at Lancaster. 

When his term of office expired he returned to private 
life for a while. His mind was still active and he amused 
himself by making labor-saving appliances. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 



21 



In May, 1787, the aged statesman was recalled to public 
life as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. He 
played a leading part in making our Constitution and in 
inducing the states to accept it. 

On April 17, 1790, Benjamin Franklin died at his home 
in Philadelphia. He was buried in Christ Church grave- 
yard. His grave at 5th and Arch Streets is marked by a 
simple flat stone. Frequently one can see people pause, 
amid the noise and bustle of the busy city, remove their 
hats, and stand in silent homage there. 

So passed "A great scientist, a great philosopher, a great 
diplomat, one of the greatest among the many great men 
of his day — Benjamin Franklin — above all else, a great 
American." 




Franklin. 



SAMUEL ADAMS 

1722-1803 



■jORN in the same city as Benjamin Franklin, Samuel 
"*"^ Adams, the son of wealthy parents, won fame and 
honor in his native place. His father was a well-known 
merchant and an active worker in the life of the city. 

Little is known of Samuel's boyhood days. He attended 
one of the public schools in Boston, and was graduated from 
college. When he was nearly twenty-one years old his 
father lost most of his money. 

Samuel did not do very well at first. He started to be 
a minister; he also studied law. Then he gave up these 
ideas and entered mercantile life. He was never a success 
in business. His first job was clerking in Mr. Cushing's 
store. He stayed but a few months. After leaving this 
job his father gave him $5000 to set up in business for him- 
self. At once he loaned half of this sum to a friend and 
then quickly lost the other half in his business. His father 
and he opened a malt house. This too was a failure. 

When Samuel was twenty-six years old his 'father died, 
leaving him one- third of what was left of the estate. At 
twenty-seven he married, living in a small house on the 
river front. 

22 




Bradford Photo. 



Samxjel Adams. 



From portrait in 
Independence Hall. 



24 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

For some time he had been writing on poHtical topics 
for the newspapers and taking an active part in the affairs 
of the town. In these matters he was a great success. He 
had found his Hfe work. 

His interests were many and he had many positions. 
He was a member of the school committee, an inspector of 
chimneys, a fire warden, a member of the committee to 
take precautions against the spread of smallpox, a member 
of the Assembly, and for eight years a tax collector for the 
town. These positions show how important he was in the 
town affairs. 

The closing of the French and Indian War brought 
many money problems to solve. New England had been 
active in this war. Money had to be found to pay the bills. 
England had paid most of them and was trying to find a 
way to make the colonies repay the amount. 

All through New England shipping was a most important 
industry. It was a common practice to bring goods to the 
ports and land them without paying duties. This was 
called smuggling. The best people of the country did this. 
Today we think it a crime. At that time it was an every- 
day affair. 

This smuggling, of course, made England lose the money 
from the duties. She decided to stop the practice. Old 
navigation laws were revived. Later, 'Writs of Assistance" 
were granted, giving the collector the power to enter a 
man's house to search it for goods that had not been taxed. 
These writs, of course, were unpopular. Long years of 
smuggling made the colonists feel that England had no 
right to stop it. 



SAMUEL ADAMS 25 

James Otis, a patriot of the times, resigned his position 
as lawyer for the king. He took the side of the people. 
In a famous speech at a trial for smuggling he used the 
words that later became the watchword of the Revolution, 
''Taxation without representation is tyranny." 

In 1765 the Stamp Act was passed, and news of it had 
come to America. The whole country rang with fierce 
words against it and the English Government. 

Samuel Adams began to take an active part in the 
government of the city. In a paper Adams denounced this 
Act, and suggested that all the colonies should unite to 
resist it. So early in his career he was looking forward to 
his great idea of independence. After this he suggested a 
non-importation agreement. 

He was made a member of the legislature of Massa- 
chusetts and became its clerk or secretary. From that 
time on he was the directing power in this legislature. 
Nearly all of its papers were written by Samuel Adams. 

Adams loved his own country and hated England 
because of her harsh measures. He was opposed to the 
colonies sending representatives to Parliament. Some had 
suggested thisj but he said, ''No." To him nothing but 
independence would do. 

In May, 1766, news of the repeal of the Stamp Act was 
brought to Boston. Here was a victory, but it was short 
lived. Almost immediately another tax bill passed. This 
laid a tax on many goods brought to the colonies, but the 
one that aroused most interest and anger was the tax on tea. 

Samuel Adams decided something must be done. He 
could not do all the work himself. He must have help. 



26 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

He started at once to teach the people. He proposed to 
the legislature that they form a committee to write to all 
the towns of New England. This committee should tell 
these towns what was happening in Boston and at the same 
time spread the thought of resistance. The legislature ap- 
pointed the committee, making Samuel Adams a member. 
This committee was called the Committee of Correspondence. 

They wrote their letters and waited for answers. The 
idea became popular. A great many towns formed similar 
committees. Letters went back and forth, so that the peo- 
ple were gradually brought to the thought of sticking to- 
gether to resist the harsh acts of the English Government. 

As soon as the Committee of Correspondence was 
appointed the governor compelled the legislature to adjourn. 
A convention was soon called to take its place. 

An old law was revived under which steps were taken 
to send Samuel Adams to England for trial for treason. 
These failed, and Adams kept on working steadily. 

In 1768 two British regiments arrived in the port of 
Boston. They landed and were quartered in the town. 
The sleeping opposition of the people was at once aroused. 
''Why should British soldiers be placed in our town?" 
and "Why should we have to pay for their keep?" were the 
questions of the excited town folk. 

The Assembly reconvened. Adams at once presented 
resolutions demanding the withdrawal of the troops. The 
governor replied that he had no authority to do this. 

News of Patrick Henry's resolutions in the House of 
Burgesses, Virginia, now reached the Assembly. They were 
adopted at once. The city was aflame with indignation. 



SAMUEL ADAMS 27 

A non-importation agreement was adopted by the mer- 
chants of the town. Those who received Enghsh goods had 
their names posted in pubHc places. New York suggested 
that this agreement be continued until the revenue acts 
were repealed. This, too, was adopted. The non-importa- 
tion agreement was spreading over the country. 

The presence of the red-coats kept the people excited. 
Numerous conflicts occurred between them and the people. 
The greatest offenders were the men from the rope-walk or 
factory. Daily these men insulted the soldiers. From these 
insults small riots started. One of these caused the soldiers 
to fire, killing several of the townspeople. This incident is 
called by the big name "Boston Massacre." At once the 
calls for the removal of the soldiers redoubled in violence. 

A town meeting was called in old South Church. Through 
the crowded streets passed Samuel Adams, hatless, his white 
hair glistening in the sun. Bowing in every direction he 
whispered, ''Both regiments or none." The meeting started. 
They demanded the removal of the troops. Some one 
offered to remove one regiment. ''Both regiments or none," 
insisted the people. Governor Hutchinson refused. 

A committee was appointed to see him. Samuel Adams 
headed the committee, marching through the narrow streets 
followed by the people. Again they were refused. 

They returned to the Old South Church. On all sides 
the watchword, "Both regiments or none," rang out. 

A second committee waited on the governor. This time 
he yielded and the soldiers were withdrawn to the "Castle" 
in the harbor. "Sam Adams' regiments," as the English 
now called them, had left the town. 



28 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

The Committee of Correspondence continued their 
work. All the news was sent to the various towns and their 
interest and help asked for. More than anything else this 
committee kept alive the interest of the people and drew 
them into closer bonds of union. 

A new source of trouble and unrest now started. The 
EngHsh Government had decided to tax tea. News of tea- 
laden ships starting for America reached the colonies. 
October i8th the port of Philadelphia requested the agents 
of the Tea Company to resign. They did. Boston did the 
same, demanding that the representatives of the Tea Com- 
pany appear under the ''Liberty Tree" to state what they 
would do. The representatives refused. 

The Committee of Correspondence at once sent out its 
letters. All the nearby towns on Massachusetts Bay re- 
plied, agreeing to help resist the landing of the tea. 

On November 28th a ship laden with tea entered the 
harbor and anchored under the protection of the guns of 
the warships lying there. Later two more ships arrived. 

Meanwhile a mass meeting was held in Faneuil Hall. 
The people demanded that the tea be sent back to England. 
The Tea Company said it had no power to send the tea 
back. Armed colonists watched the tea ships. They 
planned to be sure that no tea was landed. 

All over the city placards were posted, giving the news 
from the other towns. A meeting was called in Faneuil 
Hall. It was too small for the crowds. They left, going to 
Old South Church. The meeting-house was packed to the 
doors. Outside in the streets an anxious crowd filled every 
available space. Something must be done soon. Tomorrow 



SAMUEL ADAMS 29 

was the last day. Then the revenue officers could seize the 
tea and land it under the ships' guns. Resolutions demand- 
ing that the governor order the return of the ships were 
sent to Governor Hutchinson. The messenger returned with 
his refusal. 

Samuel Adams rose, 'This meeting can do nothing more 
to save the country." It was a signal. At once a war whoop 
rang out. Citizens dressed like Indians dashed through the 
church, out into the streets, and hurried to the wharves. 
They boarded the ships, joined by other citizens. The 
chests of tea were opened into the sea. Three hundred and 
forty-two chests of tea went overboard. Quietly the tea- 
party withdrew and paraded home. The "party" was a 
great success. News of this action was sent all over the 
colonies. Paul Revere rode into Philadelphia with the news 
just before Christmas. 

Adams now openly talked of independence and became 
a marked man. A price was put on his head by the Eng- 
lish Government. They tried to capture him, but always 
failed. 

In quick succession moved the events of the time. Boston 
Harbor was closed, the battles of Lexington and Concord 
were fought, the great war for our independence had begun. 

In Philadelphia the First Continental Congress met. 
Samuel Adams was a delegate from Massachusetts. He 
could be seen moving quietly around talking to this member 
and to that, telling his news and quietly spreading his idea 
of independence. 

Then the Second Continental Congress met. Adams 
was again present. This Congress was more determined. 



3a HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Independence had more friends. Samuel Adams did not 
dare to make a motion about declaring independence. He 
feared that the delegates would refuse to vote for it if he 
did. Instead he talked quietly to the delegates until they 
were in the right mood. Then Richard Henry Lee moved 
a declaration of independence. Samuel Adams was de- 
lighted. He had brought about the great aim of his life. 

Samuel Adams was active at all times during the Revo- 
lution and during the time we were governed by the Arti- 
cles of Confederation. 

These Articles were too weak. Some time after the war 
ended a convention was called to make a new Constitution. 
When this was done the various states were asked to ap- 
prove. In Massachusetts Samuel Adams for a long time 
opposed the new Constitution. He was in favor of town 
meeting government. Finally, however, he decided to urge 
the ratification of the Constitution. Massachusetts at once 
adopted it. 

Later Samuel Adams was elected governor of Massa- 
chusetts, serving three different terms and filling the office 
honorably and creditably. 

Aged eighty-one years Samuel Adams passed away. 
He was buried in Boston. His grave, marked by a simple 
stone, is still in King's Chapel Churchyard. 

Throughout this long period of public service Samuel 
Adams gave his whole time to the service of his country. 
His only income was his salary as clerk of the Assembly. 
He gave no thought to his personal fortune. Every effort 
was for his country. 



PATRICK HENRY 

1736-1799 



IVTEW England boys were not the only ones to become 
•^^ famous. This is the story of a southern lad, Patrick 
Henry, a native of Virginia. 

The schools in Virginia were very poor. Patrick went 
to a common English school until he was ten years old. 
After that he was taught at home by his father. 

Patrick Henry was not fond of his school nor of his 
books. He liked to wander off into the woods, looking at 
the beautiful trees, and listening to the singing of the birds. 
He would lie for hours on his back looking at the waving 
branches overhead, thinking of nature and man. One of 
his greatest joys was fishing. He could spend hours watch- 
ing his cork bob up and down on the placid waters of the 
river. Who can say that these hours spent in quiet thought 
were not to prepare him to take his mighty part in forging 
the new nation on this side of the Atlantic? 

Throughout his Hfe this love of nature persisted. After 
working hard he took his relaxation in the woods, either 
hunting or fishing. 

When he was fifteen years old he became a clerk in a 
country store. At sixteen his father bought him a store 
and set him up in business. 

31 




Underwood Photo. 



PATiacK Henry. 



From old portrait. 



PATRICK HENRY 33 

In those days the village store was the gathering place 
of the debaters of the town. Patrick used to ask questions, 
making the debaters tell him their opinions. He care- 
fully concealed his own. Thus he was learning the atti- 
tude of the people and learning how to read the popular 
mind. 

The store was a failure. After a year he had to sell out 
to pay his debts. 

He married at eighteen years of age and turned farmer. 
Three years later his successes were turned into failure by 
the burning of his houses. Selling some of his slaves, he 
started another store. The times were against him. The 
tobacco crop failed. He could not pay his debts. It is true, 
trade was good, but no one had money to pay. Again he 
gave up the store. 

What should he do? His family had to be fed and clothed. 
He studied law for six weeks, took the examination, and 
passed. 

He had found his life work. His first case of value was 
the suit of the ministers against the colony for the increase 
in their salaries. The king had ordered that each minister 
should receive more tobacco as pay. The crop failed. 
Tobacco rose in value so that the old amount equalled that 
which the king now ordered to be given the clergy. The 
Assembly voted not to give the additional tobacco. The 
clergy sued the colony for their allowance. Patrick Henry 
represented the colony. His eloquence won. He boldly 
stated that the king was tyrannous to order the increase 
after the House of Burgesses had refused it. His fame as a 
lawyer was established. 



34 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Many cases came to him, and he ^j^as able to take care 
of his family. 

He was now twenty-eight years old. His county sent 
him to the House of Burgesses. Troublous days were 
ahead. Calamity was in the air. Great unrest was every- 
where in the various colonies. 

Over in England a young and unwise man was king, 
George III. A great war had been won by England, and 
the treasury was nearly empty. The colonies were a great 
cost. Why not make them help pay? So the king argued. 
Unfortunately for England, he chose the wrong way. A 
Stamp Act was passed in 1765. In each colony every news- 
paper, all contracts, all wills, and many other papers had to 
bear a stamp. 

At once trouble began in the colonies. Why? Today 
we must do things like this. Stamps must be placed on 
various papers. No one objects. What caused the trouble 
in 1765? The colonies objected because England made this 
tax without asking their consent. 

In Virginia many spoke of objecting, but Patrick Henry 
said, '^Resist." He presented resolutions in the House of 
Burgesses. In these he said that all the colonists had the 
same rights and privileges as men and women born in 
England. He declared that no one had the right to tax 
the people but their representatives in their own legislature. 

The House of Burgesses was astonished. This was an 
attack on the king. Many of the members started forward 
in their chairs. Patrick Henry rose to speak. His uncouth 
clothes, his shuffling form, and his hesitating speech made 
them marvel why he tried to speak. Gradually he forgot 



PATRICK HENRY 35 

himself, thought only of his people and their rights. His 
voice rang out, his audience began to listen, to become 
convinced. Suddenly he declaimed, "Caesar had his Brutus, 
Charles I his Cromwell, and George III" — he paused; cries 
of ''treason, treason," resounded from the delegates — ''may 
profit by their example," he continued. "If this be treason, 
make the most of it!" 

The resolutions were adopted by a majority of one vote. 
His speech rang through all the colonies, strengthening and 
encouraging the patriots. 

You will remember how Samuel Adams proposed com- 
mittees of correspondence in Massachusetts. We are now 
to go a long step forward. A Virginian suggested that each 
colony form a committee and so keep in touch with the 
happenings in the other colonies. In this way the work 
done today by our newspapers was accomplished. Patrick 
Henry became the leading member of the Virginia committee. 

The English Government repealed the Stamp Act, but 
passed the tax on tea. So the unrest in America continued. 

Patrick Henry was made a member of a convention to 
^ meet in Virginia. This convention chose him one of the 
delegates to meet with the First Continental Congress in 
Philadelphia. 

Up to this time no one was talking of independence. No 
one was thinking of resistance, except a few earnest men like 
Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry. 

He returned to Virginia. He went to the convention, 
now taking the place of the House of Burgesses. Here he 
made the greatest speech of his career. His reputation as 
an orator had been made. When he rose to speak all listened 



36 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

eagerly. Rapidly he told of the harsh acts of England, of 
the troubles in Massachusetts, of the possibility of similar 
measures coming to Virginia, and then he said, "I know not 
what course others may take, but, as for me, give me liberty 
or give me death!'' 

This speech carried the day and resolutions placing the 
colony in a position of defence were passed. 

His next step was to organize the militia. As in Boston, 
the EngHsh Government ordered the removal of the gun- 
powder stored in Richmond. This was done at night. Pat- 
rick Henry and his militia-men marched on the governor's 
house. They could not secure the powder. It was gone! 
They compelled payment for it and a promise that it would 
be returned. 

In Virginia he advocated a Declaration of Independence. 
His eloquence induced the legislature to pass a resolution 
telling its delegates to the Second Continental Congress to 
introduce a motion declaring the colonies free and inde- 
pendent states. 

Patrick Henry was a member of the Second Continental 
Congress. His voice was raised constantly in favor of 
independence. He helped develop this idea. Unfortunately, 
he was compelled to return to Virginia, so did not sign the 
Declaration of Independence. 

On his return to Virginia Patrick Henry was made a 
colonel and commander of all the forces of the colony. 
He did not shine in military life. Disagreement among the 
councils caused him to resign and return to private life. 

Later on, as governor of Virginia for five terms, he 
played a great part in the strengthening of his state. 



PATRICK HENRY 37 

In 1789 Patrick Henry opposed the ratification of the 
Constitution by Virginia. He felt that the new government 
would be too strong; that it would soon become a monarchy. 

Fortunately, the majority did not agree with him this 
time, and Virginia ratified the Constitution. 

Patrick Henry was easily the greatest orator of his day. 
His earnest conviction of the righteousness of the American 
cause, his earnest words to the American people, and his 
constant hard work toward bringing about the success of 
this cause were most powerful in helping bring the Revolu- 
tionary War to a happy conclusion. 

Patrick Henry died quietly at his home, aged sixty- 
three years, the same year that George Washington passed 
away. 



THE PHILADELPHIA TEA PARTY 



T X /"RESTLING with the wilderness to make homes, 
^ ^ struggling each day to get the bare necessities 
of life made the American colonists a strong, sturdy 
people. This strange, new life, where each one had to be a 
real man, made them self-reliant and independent. The 
mother country was far distant. It had made httle attempt 
to make the Americans obey English law. Now a change 
had come. The Stamp Act had caused much excitement, 
but it had been repealed. Then Parliament made a new 
tax law. All tea brought to America had to be taxed. The 
tax was low, indeed, but it made the people angry. They 
wanted to lay their own taxes. The colonists thought that 
England had no right to tax them. All over the colonies the 
people banded together to refuse to pay the tax. 

In some places tea was dumped into the sea, in other 
places stored in damp cellars and made to spoil. No one 
would buy the tea. 

Philadelphia was active in this opposition and the 
citizens arranged a ''tea party" of their own. Word came 
that tea ships were sailing up the river. The citizens' 
committee wrote a httle letter. This was printed and a copy 
given to each pilot on the river. Copies of these papers are 
still in existence and are most interesting. 

38 



Capt A YRES, 

Of the Ship P Z/ L T» on a Voyage from London to Philadelphia^ 

S I R. 

WE arc informed that you have, imprudently, taken Charge of a Qiiantity of Tea-, which has been fent 
out by the Inata Company, under ibe Aufpiees of the Mimjlry, as a Trial ot American Virtue md Rc- 
foiunon. 

Now, as your Cargo, on your Arrival here, will mofl afluredly bring you into hot water; and as you 
are perhaps a Stranger to the i Parts, we have comluded to ad viie you of the prcfcnt Situation of Affairs in 
Philadelphia— ihzi, taking TirTie by the Forelock, you may flop fhbrt in your dangerous Errand---fccurc 
your Ship againft the Rafts of combuftiblc Matter which may be fet on Fire, and turned loofe againft herj 
and rporc tlian all tins, that you may prefcrvc your own Pcifon, trom the Pitch and Feathers that are pre- 
pared for you. 

In the firft Place, w^muft tell you, that the Pennlylvanians are, to a Man, pafRonately fond of Freedom-, 
the Birthright o^ Americans-, and at all Events are determined to enjoy it. 

That they fincerely believe, no Power on the Face ot the Earth has a Right to tax them without their 
Confcnt. 

That in their Opinion, the Tea in your Cuftody is defigned by the Miniftry to enforce fuch a Tax, 
which they will undoubtedly oppofc-, and in fo doing, give you every pofliblc Obftrudlion, 

We are nominated to a very difagreeable, but necefiary Service- -• To our Care are committed all 
Offenders againft the Rights ot America ; and haplefs is he, whofe evil Deftiny has doomed him to fuffer ac 
our Hands. 

You are fent out on a diabolical Service-, and if you are fo foolifti and obftinate as to compleat your 
Voyage i by bringing /our Ship to Anchor in this Port; you may run fuch a Gauntlet, as will induce you, 
in your laft Moments, moft heartily to curfc thofe who have made you the Dupe of their Avarice and 
Ambition. 

What think you Captain, of a Halter around your Neck- — ten Gallons ot liquid Tar decanted on your 
Pate — with the Feathers of a dozen wild Geefc laid over that to enliven yoOr Appearance? 

Only think ferioufly otthis-— and fly to the Place from whence you came— -fly without Hefiration- — 
without the Formality of a Proteft-- -and above all, Captain ^rr« let us advifc you to fly without the 
wild Geefc Feathers. 

Your Friends to ferve 
Fhiladelphia, Nov. 27, 177J THE COMMITTEE as hefm fubfcribed 

Photograph of Old Printed Letter or ''Broadside'" Sent to Capt. Ayres. 

From original in Penna. Historical Society. 



40 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

The letter warned the pilots not to .bring the ship up the 
Delaware. The letter said, "All agree that tar and feathers 
will be his portion who pilots her into the harbor." Each 
pilot was requested to show a copy to Captain Ayres in 
command of the tea ship "Polly." 

The letters warned Captain Ayres that burning rafts 
would be sent against his ship, and that he would be tarred 
and feathered if he were caught. "What think you. Cap- 
tain, of a halter around your neck, ten gallons of liquid tar 
decanted on your pate, with the feathers of a dozen wild 
geese laid over that to enliven your appearance?" 

Thus was the hospitality of the city offered to Captain 
Ayres. He was advised to fly without the geese feathers! 

The ship "Polly" reached Chester. Here it stopped. 
The letter was given to Captain Ayres. He read it carefully. 
Tar and feathers did not appeal to him, so he turned about 
and returned to England. No other tea ship came to 
Philadelphia. The captains did not wish to provoke the 
patriotic citizens. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 

1732-1799 



A NOTHER southern boy, who became one of the 
-^•^ greatest men who ever Hved, was George Washing- 
ton, who was born in Virginia in a small town near the 
Potomac River. Soon after his birth the house was burned. 
The family moved to a place near the iron works on the 
Rappahannock River. 

Washington was a large, big-boned boy. He was strong 
and fond of sports. Good schools were rare in Virginia in 
those days. The nearest school to his home was a very 
poor one. He attended this school for a time and was also 
taught by his mother. Washington's mother was a born 
leader. She was resolute, determined, and a great lover of 
the truth. Washington inherited these traits of character 
from her. 

At school he met Richard Henry Lee. This friendship 
grew and continued throughout their lives. 

George's brother, Augustine, married. The boy Wash- 
ington went to live with him, so that he could attend a 
good school near his brother's house. He stayed with him 
until he was sixteen years old. 

Tales of adventure in the army and of the wonders of 
the sea were told to the boy. He became filled with a desire 

41 



42 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

to go to sea. Another brother, Lawrence, secured him a 
commission as midshipman. His uniform was bought, his 
chest packed, and himself ready to board the ship. But it 
was not to be. His mother said ''No." Like a dutiful 
son, George obeyed, gave up the glories of the sea, and 
returned to school. 

At this time George began to study surveying. For a 
long time he worked hard, making surveys and plots of all 
the land around the schoolhouse. These were done with 
skill and accuracy. 

Meanwhile his brother Lawrence became a captain of 
Virginia troops. These went to Jamaica to assist English 
forces there. On his return to Virginia, he married. About 
this time their father died, leaving the estate on the Potomac 
to Lawrence. He called it Mount Vernon. On the summit 
of the hill, overlooking the calm waters of the Potomac, he 
built a fine mansion for his bride. This was later to become 
George Washington's home. 

A few miles away, at Bel voir, lived Lord Fairfax, one 
of the richest men in the colony. He owned enormous 
estates, so large that he did not even know their boundaries. 
The Fairfaxes lived in good old English style. They were 
neighbors and relations of Lawrence Washington. The two 
families frequently visited each other. Of course, George 
came to his brother's and so became acquainted with Lord 
Fairfax. This soon ripened into friendship and mutual 
regard. They talked together, camped out, and hunted. 

One day rumors of people settling on Lord Fairfax's 
land came in. This could not be permitted. But first the 
land must be surveyed. George Washington was asked to 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 43 

do the work. He was just sixteen years old. The surveying 
party was made up. Lord Fairfax's cousin, George Washing- 
ton, and a few others formed the group. 

It was winter time and very cold. Picture the task 
before them. Through huge forests, along untrodden paths, 
by unexplored streams, over hills and valleys they must go. 
But a stout heart and a strong body can do anything. 
Undaunted, away they started. After four weeks of hard 
work, combined with adventures and hardships, they fin- 
ished the job, returning to their homes. 

Lord Fairfax was pleased. Now he had exact knowledge 
of his boundaries and an accurate map. 

Other people wished their estates marked out. George 
Washington was appointed public surveyer of the colony. 
He held this position for three years. The surveys he made 
have stood the test of time. So accurate were they that 
they are still in use. ' 

The knowledge of the woods and land, obtained while 
surveying, was to be useful to him. Stirring times were 
coming. Rumors of the advance of the French into the 
English lands were coming across the mountains. Each 
returning wanderer through the wilderness told a new tale 
of French forts and French work with the Indians. They 
were nearing the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. Ef- 
forts must be made to strengthen the English claims. 

Meanwhile Washington was preparing. He studied 
military rules, drilled, and took lessons with the sword. 
Governor Dinwiddle decided to send a messenger to the 
French warning them that they were trespassing on English 
land. He chose Washington. 



44 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Now his long experience in the woods would be useful. 
With Christopher Gist, two interpreters, and four frontiers- 
men he started on the long journey to the Ohio River. 
Snow and rain made travel almost impossible. Still they 
pressed on through the forests. At last the Monongahela 
was reached. It was swollen and rushed swiftly along. 
The horses could not carry the baggage and swim the river. 
So the baggage was placed in canoes and floated down to 
the meeting-place. The men and horses swam across. 

They followed the river banks toward the Ohio. Wash- 
ington saw that the junction of the Monongahela and Alle- 
gheny Rivers would be an ideal place for a fort. 

He busied himself talking with the Indians, trying to 
undo the work of the French. Finally, he persuaded some 
to go with him to the French commander. Reaching the 
fort, they were received with every courtesy. Washington 
knew, however, that the French were trying to coax his 
Indians to leave him. Finally, the French officer gave him 
an answer to carry back to the governor. 

It was in the heart of winter, the day after Christ- 
mas. Heavy snows had fallen. The cold was intense. 
The horses were weak from lack of food. They could 
scarcely carry their packs. Progress was very slow. At last 
Washington decided to take Gist and go ahead, leaving the 
others to follow with the horses. They pushed on. An 
Indian appeared, fired at them, and vanished. They knew 
he would go for help. It was necessary to reach the river 
that night. On they pushed, half-frozen, their cold, numb 
fingers clinging to their guns. 

There, at last, was the river, but it was not frozen over! 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 45 

They must cross. With a small hatchet they prepared a 
raft and pushed off just before d-^rk. Washington was 
pushing on a long pole. A cake of ice crashed against the 
pole and he was thrown into ten feet of ice-cold water. 
With great effort he managed to reach the raft. Shivering 
and cold, they tried to guide the raft across the river, but 
the swift current carried them down the stream. Just as 
darkness was falling they reached a small island. 

Abandoning the raft, they went ashore, spending the 
night alone on the island in the midst of the river. Pic- 
ture the two men, wet to the skin, spending this cold win- 
ter night on the bleak island. When morning dawned the 
river was frozen, so they walked ashore. Soon they reached 
a dwelling, where hardy pioneers welcomed the cold shiver- 
ing men, drawing them close to the warm fire. 

They secured horses and hurried home. Washington 
gave Dinwiddle much valuable information about the 
country, the attitude of the Indians, and the ideas of 
the French. Washington now knew more about the roads 
and forests than any other man in that part of Virginia. 
Governor Dinwiddle decided to send a force to build a fort 
where Pittsburgh now stands. Washington was to com- 
mand. Companies were formed and drilled. 

Meanwhile the French had built a fort there, calling it 
Fort Duquesne. 

The Virginians, led by Washington, started out. In 
order to move their light cannon they had to build roads as 
they went along. They reached the Ohio in good order. 
Then they discovered the French fort. Some difficulties 
occurred with a French advance regiment. Washington 



46 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

ordered his men to fire — the first gun fired in the French 
and Indian War. 

Falling back about ten miles, the Virginians constructed 
a hasty fort, calling it Fort Necessity. Washington knew 
that he could not hold this against the French unless rein- 
forcements arrived. The French attacked. The Virginians 
defended the fort bravely, but it fell. Their bravery was 
recognized. The French permitted them to march away with 
their arms and ammunition. 

Washington was now made a Colonel and Commander- 
in-chief of all the Virginian forces. These forces were few 
in number and pitifully equipped. They had Httle pay, 
scanty clothing, and practically no arms or ammunition. 
Nevertheless many influences were at work to send this 
force on. Colonel Washington in a letter to Lord Fairfax 
gave him all the facts, asking him to use his influence to 
prevent the order to march forward. This he did. 

Soon a new force appeared in the field. A large EngKsh 
army of finely equipped men landed, led by Major-General 
Braddock. Braddock was a veteran of many wars. He 
knew perfectly how to handle his men under regular rules of 
fighting. He did not know the Indians nor their ways of 
warfare. A man like Washington, who knew the ground 
thoroughly, would be most useful in this expedition. Gen- 
eral Braddock invited him to become his aide. 

The expedition started. The soldiers, erect, handsomely 
clad, with polished arms, made a gay and impressive sight. 
Laden with wagonloads of provisions and heavy guns, the 
line advanced slowly. Each stream had to be bridged. 
Roads had to be built or repaired. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 47 

Suddenly, while they were marching in parade order, 
shots rang out. Men fell, but no enemy could be seen. 
The firing seemed to be everywhere. The EngHsh replied, 
sending volley after volley into the woods, though they could 
see no one. They formed in a compact square, making a 
fine target for the hidden Indian sharpshooters. 

Braddock fell mortally wounded. The soldiers began to 
run. At this point Washington assumed command. He 
placed his Virginia troops behind trees, returned the In- 
dians' fire, and covered the retreat of the English. His skill 
saved the remnants of the army from total destruction. 

About this time Lawrence Washington's daughter died 
and George became the owner of Mount Vernon. He mar- 
ried a wealthy widow, Mrs. Custis, and settled down on his 
estate. He worked early and late to make it the best in 
the colony. His neighbors, however, would not let him 
remain in private life. He was elected to the House of 
Burgesses. 

The Stamp Act and the tax on tea had, as you have read, 
caused great opposition in the colonies. Up in Massa- 
chusetts the port of Boston had been closed to commerce 
by the English. A call was sent out for delegates of all the 
colonies to meet in Philadelphia. 

The Virginia House of Burgesses appointed George 
Washington one of her seven delegates. In company with 
Patrick Henry and Edmund Pendleton he rode on horse- 
back from Mount Vernon to Philadelphia. It took five days. 

This congress, called the First Continental Congress, 
met in Carpenter's Hall, now on a little court running south 
from Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, between Third and 



48 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Fourth streets. Then it had an open view to the Delaware 
River. Large trees were all around it. Today it is sur- 
rounded by tall buildings, hidden so completely that it is 
almost invisible from the street. 

Washington was not an active figure at the meetings, 
but he was a powerful member and a great worker on the 
various committees. This Congress did little but pass a 
Declaration of Rights, which was sent to King George III. 
Its greatest work was the friendships made among the various 
delegates. It paved the way for the second congress. 

Returning to Virginia, Washington made a report to the 
House of Burgesses. He recommended that the colony begin 
at once the training of soldiers. His clear foresight saw 
battles in the near future. Prepare for the trouble was his 
idea. 

Companies sprang up all over the colony. Each chose 
Washington as their commander. This made him prac- 
tically the commander-in-chief of all. Drilling went on 
actively. 

In 1775 the Second Continental Congress met in Phil- 
adelphia, this time in the state house now called Indepen- 
dence Hall. The delegates assembled. They knew each 
other and trusted each other. The air was full of excite- 
ment. The delegates looked determined. 

In Massachusetts the iron hand of the king was being 
felt. Soldiers had been sent to take charge of the city of 
Boston. 

In the small towns of Lexington and Concord, just out- 
side of Boston, the patriots had stored quantities of powder. 
The English soldiers marched to remove this. Paul Revere 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 49 

rode through the night to warn the Americans. Men sprang 
to arms all over New England. They were well named 
^'minute men/' for they came at a minute's notice. Hastily 
snatching up their muskets, they hurried toward Lexington. 
They opposed the English soldiers. The first guns of the 
Revolution were fired. Americans fell on Lexington Green. 

All the powder was safely hidden before the English 
reached Concord. The English soldiers were now compelled 
to return to Boston. But their return was most difficult. 
All along their line of march hidden minute men poured 
shot after shot into their ranks. They hurried, they ran 
panting to Lexington, where reinforcements from Boston 
were waiting. The tired troops rushed to the green and 
sank exhausted on the ground. American minute men had 
faced and defeated the trained EngKsh soldiers. 

News of these stirring events reached the Congress in 
Philadelphia. John Adams suggested that Congress adopt 
this New England army and appoint a commander. Many 
of those present thought this was New England's own 
trouble and that a New England man should command. 
Not so John Adams ; he saw clearly that the whole country 
was in danger. He knew that it must cease to be a sectional 
fight. So he suggested that a Virginian delegate should be 
made the commander. 

All knew whom he meant. There sat George Washing- 
ton in his miHtary uniform. His successes in the French and 
Indian War were known. He was the best known military 
man in the country. A delegate from Maryland nominated 
him and he was chosen. 

Washington was reluctant to accept. He did not think 



50 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

himself qualified, but neither could he Refuse the call of his 
country for his services. 

He accepted, and again he was on horseback, riding to 
Boston. On the way a courier met them bearing news of the 
Battle of Bunker Hill. ''Did they stand the fire of the reg- 
ular troops?'^ Washington asked anxiously. ''That they did, 
and held their own fire in reserve until the enemy was within 
eight rods," replied the courier. 

"Then the Hberties of the country are safe," said Wash- 
ington. 

He rode to Cambridge. There on the Public Common, 
under a great elm, he took command of the army. And 
such an army ! Men from all over the country ; no uniforms, 
not enough guns; very little powder, no discipline. Each 
man thought himself as good as his officers. They had not 
learned to obey. With this raw material an army had to be 
formed to oppose drilled regular troops. It was, indeed, a 
giant's task. 

The British held Boston. South of the city was a range 
of low hills, known as Dorchester Heights. Washington 
secretly seized the hills and mounted his cannon. Boston 
was besieged. Under Washington's guns the British fleet 
floated quietly in the harbor. "Leave the city or we'll blow 
your ships out of the water" was the message to the English 
from the American general. 

General Howe planned to take the Heights. Rains 
caused delay. The Americans strengthened their fortifica- 
tions. An attack now would mean great losses for the 
EngKsh. They remembered Bunker Hill and the terrible 
accuracy of the American sharpshooters. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 51 

General Howe ordered the retreat. The troops embarked 
and the ships sailed away. So Boston and New England 
were rid of the enemy. 

Many of the minute men had now gone home. Wash- 
ington's army became smaller, yet he knew that New York 
would be the next point to guard. If an enemy army should 
hold this place, the country would be divided. Washington 
hurried to New York. The enemy appeared. Washington 
had to retreat. The darkest days of the Revolution 
began. 

The little American army hurried for safety across New 
Jersey. A large army of English followed closely. Wash- 
ington's men barely left a town as the English entered. 
The Delaware was reached. The army crossed and en- 
camped on the Pennsylvania side. The English were wait- 
ing for the river to freeze. 

It was Christmas. The English were having a fine time 
in Trenton. Across the bleak river Washington's ragged 
army was quietly at work. In open boats they crossed, 
skilfully avoiding the ice-cakes. They landed and swiftly at- 
tacked. In the battle one thousand English prisoners were 
taken. Soon afterward the victorious troops defeated a part 
of Cornwallis' army. Hope broke through the clouds of de- 
spair. From mouth to mouth the glad news traveled. New 
strength and courage came to the people. Thoughts of win- 
ning crowded out those of yielding. Washington's success 
at Trenton turned the tide of defeat into one of victory. 

Washington's army went into winter-quarters at Morris- 
town Heights, In the spring news of Howe's advance toward 
Philadelphia started the Continental Army toward that 





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GEORGE WASHINGTON S3 

city. The British took the city. They felt they could almost 
ignore the American troops. 

In October, 1777, Washington attacked them at Ger- 
man town. The English soldiers held German town Road, 
the approach to the city. The Americans attacked. It was 
cold and foggy. In the fog some American forces, mistaking 
their own advancing troops for the enemy, fired on them. 
This caused confusion. The Americans retreated. This 
attack had failed. 

The winter season was coming. Time to drill and 
strengthen the forces was needed. Washington went into 
winter-quarters at Valley Forge. 

Valley Forge is about 20 miles from Philadelphia, on the 
Schuylkill River. It is a beautiful valley surrounded by 
low hills. The hills were fortified. There were no houses. 
Tents would not do for the cold winter weather. The 
army was divided into groups, each group to build a log 
hut for its home. The men worked like Trojans. There 
was but one thing in abundance, and that was fuel. 

Money was scarce. Congress had been compelled to 
flee from Philadelphia. Each state was too much inter- 
ested in itself. They did not send their share of the money 
needed. The little army was in winter-quarters, but they 
had no comforts. Some one has thus described a soldier 
at Valley Forge: ''His bare feet peep through his womout 
shoes, his legs nearly naked from the tattered remains of 
only one pair of stockings, his shirt hanging in strings, his 
hair disheveled, his face wan and thin, his look hungry, his 
whole appearance that of a man forsaken and neglected." 
The officers were little better cared for. And all the time 



54 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

snow was falling, roads were frozen. Tracks of blood 
from the poor feet were everywhere. Still they did not 
give up. But with supreme bravery held on until the 
spring. 

The horses died of hunger. Men had to drag the 
sleds over the snow. Washington, despairing of help from 
Congress, compelled the villagers nearby to bring food to 
the camp. These villagers had been selling their produce to 
the British for good prices. 

About this time Baron Steuben came to America to 
help. He was a brilHant drill master. Reaching Valley 
Forge he started work. Drill went on every day. Each man 
worked hard to learn and to keep warm. Under the Baron's 
instructions the ragged army became veterans, trained to 
meet any force. 

Good news came to the Valley. Burgoyne, an English 
general, had surrendered with his whole army, at Saratoga. 
Because of this France openly acknowledged our indepen- 
dence. Troops and ships were sent to America. The news 
brought renewed courage to all. A French fleet in the 
Delaware would make the English leave Philadelphia. 

General Howe did not wait. Not wishing to be trapped, 
he left Philadelphia for New York. 

Washington started in pursuit. The American Army, 
with some French troops under Lafayette, met the Eng- 
lish at Monmouth in New Jersey. The Americans won. 
The EngHsh retreated to New York. So was victory ob- 
tained in the Middle States. 

The battles now turn to the South. In spite of their 
strength in the South, the English at last were compelled to 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 55 

retreat. They took a strong position at Yorktown, in Vir- 
ginia, General Cornwallis in command. 

An English force under General Clinton was in New 
York. Washington decided to join his forces with those 
before Yorktown. General Clinton was not to know this, 
so Washington left a portion of his troops to keep Clinton 
busy. These troops kept strengthening their fortifications 
and making a show of attack. Meanwhile the greater por- 
tion of the American troops hurried to Virginia. 

A French fleet was off the coast of Virginia. The fleet 
and the army attacked Yorktown. Cornwallis surrendered. 
The war was practically over. All that remained was to make 
a treaty of peace. Washington did not take part in this. 
His work was still with the army. 

Receiving no pay for some time, the American troops 
decided to mutiny. Washington used his personal influence, 
called the troops together, spoke to them. They decided to 
wait, and were at last paid. 

After the treaty was signed Washington bade farewell to 
his officers and returned to his home at Mount Vernon. 
He was not to stay there long. 

Conditions were bad everywhere. Congress was power- 
less to help. There was Kttle money and not much trade. 
Either the new nation must ask Europe to help or make a 
stronger government. The people decided to help them- 
selves. 

Eleven years after independence was declared a con- 
vention was called in Philadelphia to strengthen the new 
government. Virginia sent Washington as a delegate. The 
convention elected him their presiding officer. Many de- 



56 HEROES OF N.VTIONAL HISTORY 

bates were held, many knotty questions settled. Finally 
they agreed, and our present Constitution was the result. 

Again Washington returned to Mount Vernon. His 
work was not yet done. The new Constitution was attacked 
everywhere. He wrote letters to all his friends explaining 
the new form of government. He pointed out the dangers 
of not adopting it. He urged them to vote for it and to 
influence their friends to vote too. 

After many anxious days the new Constitution was 
adopted. From all over the nation came the call — ''Wash- 
ington must be our first president. '^ 

Again called from his home, he traveled to New York 
City to take the oath of ofhce as first President of our 
country. 

He held this office for eight years. During this time 
he guided the new nation into safe paths and started it on 
the road to success. His wisdom and sagacity kept us out 
of more troubles with Europe; prepared the way to pay our 
debts; and made possible the steady growth which made 
the new nation the strongest nation of the world. 

At the end of the eight years he refused to be re-elected. 
At this time he wrote his ''Farewell Address." Beware of 
foreign entanglements was his advice. Don't bother with 
affairs in Europe. Attend strictly to your own business. 

Then he returned to Mount Vernon to take up a farmer's 
peaceful life. He stayed in seclusion for but a short time. 
War broke out with France. He was summoned to take 
charge of the army, and obeyed. This was his last public 
duty. 

Soon after the close of the short war he took cold 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 



57 



riding round his estates. He sank rapidly, passing away at 
his home in 1799. He was buried in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon, overlooking the beautiful Potomac River. 

So ended the Hfe of one of the greatest men of America. 
He had given himself unselfishly to his country. A grate- 
ful country still enshrines him in its heai*t. Washington still 
stands out for all of us — a model of good citizenship, a model 
of service for all. 




Washington. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON 

1743-1826 



T 7"IRGINIA has given many famous sons to our coun- 
^ try. You have read about George Washington and 
Patrick Henry. Thomas Jefferson was another Virginia 
boy. He, too, cUmbed the ladder of fame. 

His father was a wealthy and respected citizen, holding 
many ofhces of honor in his county. He gave his son, 
Thomas, a good education. Jefferson studied law and was 
admitted to its practice. At this time he met Patrick 
Henry. 

Although Jefferson owned a number of slaves, still he 
did not believe in slavery. The conditions of life in Virginia 
compelled him to hold them. 

When twenty-six years old he was elected to the House 
of Burgesses. It was in this house that Patrick Henry made 
his famous speech about George III. 

About five days after Patrick Henry's speech the governor 
of Virginia adjourned the House of Burgesses. The dele- 
gates then met in convention. They decided to learn 
what the other colonies were doing. So they took Samuel 
Adams' idea of Committees of Correspondence. Jefferson 
was made a member of the committee. He was a brilHant 
writer of letters and well fitted for this task. 

He was appointed a member of the First Continental 
Congress where he met John and Samuel Adams. 

58 




Thomas Jeffersoxn. 'XiffSVashington. 



6o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

At a convention in Virginia he wrote a series of resolu- 
tions on independence. These finally reached England. 
He was declared a traitor. 

He was also a member of the Second Continental Con- 
gress. This Congress was face to face with the tyranny of 
the king in Boston and with the resistance of the people. 

What were they to do? Richard Henry Lee, of Vir- 
ginia, moved that "These Colonies are and of right ought 
to be free and independent states." Congress adopted this. 
Thomas Jefferson was made the chairman of a committee 
to write a Declaration of Independence. 

He retired to his rooms on the southwest corner of 
7th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, to write. The Dec- 
laration, in his own handwriting, he showed to Franklin 
and John Adams. They made a few corrections and sug- 
gestions. He recopied it. Congress received it. Many and 
long were the debates. Finally, they approved it on the 
afternoon of Thursday, July 4, 1776. The great news 
spread rapidly. The ''Liberty Bell' was rung, guns were 
fired, bonfires were lighted, and there was much rejoicing. 
On the following Monday morning the Declaration was 
read to the people assembled in Independence Square. 

Jefferson was sent to France to assist Franklin. He 
helped make the Treaty of Peace that closed the war. When 
Franklin returned to America, Jefferson was made Ambas- 
sador to France. 

After the Constitution went into effect Washington made 
Jefferson Secretary of State. Here he had little opportunity 
for much public work. He was Vice-President with John 
Adams, and later President of the United States. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON 6l 

As President his most important work was the purchase 
of the Louisiana territory. 

At the close of the Revolutionary War our boundaries 
were the Mississippi on the west and Florida on the south. 
Florida and the land west of the Mississippi were held by 
Spain. 

It was the custom for the farmers along the Mississippi 
to float their produce down the river to New Orleans and 
store it there while waiting to sell it. Suddenly Spain closed 
the port of New Orleans to these men. At once a great 
outcry against this arose all over the country. 

Meanwhile there were changes occurring in Europe. 
Napoleon had seized power in France. He induced Spain 
to give him Louisiana. Then he began preparations to 
make settlements in the new world. This might have been 
dangerous to America's interest. 

The American minister to France, Mr. Livingstone, 
tried to buy New Orleans. Jefferson wished to secure this 
port. So he sent James Monroe to assist in the purchase. 
France did not wish to sell. Napoleon was eager to establish 
a big empire in America, but troubles between France and 
England began to grow. Napoleon needed all his resources 
in Europe. Moreover, he needed money. Then he offered 
all of Louisiana to America for $15,000,000. Our delegates 
seized the opportunity and bought this immense tract of land. 

Had the President power to make this purchase? Many 
thought not. Congress, however, ratified the act and gave 
the necessary money. This made our western boundary 
the Rocky Mountains. 

No one knew anything of the new land. It had to be 



62 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

explored. Meriweather Lewis and William Clarke were 
employed to make the trip. They traveled to St. Louis. 
With three boat-loads of trinkets for the Indians they 
started on their long voyage up the Missouri River. 

About the same time Zebulon Pike paddled up the 
Mississippi to find its source. He succeeded. He then 
went overland to the mountain now called Pike's Peak, the 
height of which he measured. After many adventures he 
reached Washington safely. 

These two explorations showed the extent of the new 
land and its many wonderful possibilities. Later it was 
opened for settlements. Soon settlers flocked to the fertile 
plains and new states were assured. 

When Jefferson's term of ofhce expired he returned to 
Monticello, in Virginia. He spent the rest of his life there. 
His home is near the great Natural Bridge. Many people 
came to see the wonder and spent several days with the 
former President. His house was always open to them. 
So many came, in fact, that he was unable to receive them 
without going into debt. His debts grew until he had to 
sell his library to pay a portion of his bills. His health 
gave way. He died July 4, 1826. 

After his death his estates were sold for debt and his 
family left penniless. Grateful citizens and a few states 
subscribed funds to provide for his destitute daughter. 
Virginia did nothing. 

Jefferson lives today in our memories through the 
Declaration of Independence, the University of Virginia, 
and the purchase of Louisiana. This last was easily the 
greatest act of his Hfe. 



JOHN PAUL JONES 

1747-1792 



A MERICA, the land of opportunity, drew some of its 
-^■^ famous men from all parts of the world. John Paul 
Jones was a Scotch lad. His home was in a little town 
near the sea. His father was a gardener. The boy's 
real name was John Paul. He did not care for gardening, 
but early developed a love for the sea. Daily he built small 
boats and sailed them in little fleets. He was the natural 
leader of the boys of the village. He went to school until 
he was twelve years old. He studied hard, forming a habit 
that followed him through life. 

One day he was given a small sail boat. He went fishing. 
Returning, he made a skilful landing. So skilful was it, 
that a sea captain, noticing it, offered to take him as cabin 
boy. 

At thirteen he went to sea, making his first trip to Vir- 
ginia. He stayed there with his brother for two years, work- 
ing on the plantation. When his brother died he left John 
Paul his estates. 

He shipped aboard a slave ship. Disliking the work, he 
left at the end of the first voyage. He took passage to 
Jamaica. On the voyage the officers died. Jones assumed 

63 



64 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

command, bringing the ship safely home. As a reward for 
his services the owners made him captain. Jones, now but 
twenty years old, was captain of a merchant vessel. How 
he must have studied and worked to fit himself for such a 
position ! 

When twenty-four years old he decided to leave Scot- 
land forever and make his home in Virginia. About this 
time John Paul changed his name to John Paul Jones. 
This was in 1773. Soon after war broke out between the 
Colonies and England. Jones offered his services to the 
Continental Congress. He was made a Heu tenant on Com- 
modore Hopkin's flagship. Over this ship he hoisted the 
Rattlesnake Flag of the Revolution. 

Hopkins was neither active nor courageous. He let 
golden opportunities slip through his fingers. His slowness 
permitted the English to move their supplies from New 
Providence. Again, in the Bahamas, his fear caused him 
to avoid combat. He was afraid to start for home. Jones, 
angered, ascended the topmast with the pilot and directed 
the ship home. 

Hopkins was dismissed from the navy. Paul Jones was 
placed in command of the 'Tro\ddence," a small sloop 
carrying twelve ''four pounders," or small cannon. In this 
vessel he convoyed military stores from New England to 
Long Island for Washington's army. This was most dan- 
gerous. The waters swarmed with British war vessels. 
This suited Jones. For where danger was great, there he 
liked to be. 

One day he saw the British ship "Milford." Finding 
that he could sail faster, he kept just out of gunshot. Broad- 




Underwood Photo. 



John Paul Jones. 



From an old portrait. 



66 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

side after broadside was hurled at Mm. All fell short. 
A marine stationed on the stern of the ''Providence" 
was ordered to fire his musket at the British ship. Jones 
played this game until he was tired. Then hauling 
sharply on the wind, he showed the British a clean pair of 
heels. 

His next ship was the "Ranger" — a small boat carry- 
ing eighteen light guns. The Stars and Stripes had just been 
adopted. Paul Jones with his own hands hauled it to the 
mast head. For the first time the stars and stripes floated 
over an American war vessel. His orders took him to 
France to see Franklin. On leaving America he was 
promised the command of a large frigate, then building in 
Holland. 

Arriving in France Jones refused to enter the harbor 
until the French ships and forts saluted his flag. Amid 
the cannon roar he sailed in. Leaving his ship, he visited 
Franklin. Franklin was much impressed by the dashing 
young naval officer, but had to disappoint him. The 
frigate was sold. 

Despairing of securing a better ship, he turned the 
"Ranger's" bow seaward. He sailed to the coast of Eng- 
land, landing at St. Mar>^'s Isle. His crew mutinied. They 
wanted to plunder the town. Jones had to let them take 
some things. Later he paid the owners out of his own 
pocket. 

He set fire to the shipping in White Haven, but failed 
to destroy the ships. 

While lying off the harbor, he saw the ''Drake," an 
Enghsh war vessel in the harbor. "Come out and fight," 



JOHN PAUL JONES 67 

said Jones. Slowly the ''Drake," hindered by the wind and 
tide, sailed forth to meet the foe. The battle began. In 
one hour and four minutes the "Drake" struck its colors. 
Up went the stars and stripes. The two ships sailed for 
Texel, Holland, and from there to France, where Jones was 
received with great applause and honors. 

Meanwhile, Franklin was trying to secure a fleet from 
France. Delay after delay occurred. Paul Jones sent 
message after message. Fretting at the delay, he picked 
up "Poor Richard's Almanac." This sentence met his eye: 
'Tf a man wishes to have any business faithfully and ex- 
peditiously performed let him go himself; otherwise, send." 
At once he started for Paris. 

Instead of a fleet, strong and able, he was offered an old 
Indian merchant vessel. He took it, calling it the "Bon 
Homme Richard." A frigate, the "Alliance," was added, 
and three other boats. The small fleet set sail for the shores 
of England. Twice they sailed up the Firth of Forth to 
Edinburg, and twice contrary winds blew them out to sea. 
They harassed the shores of England, terrifying the people 
along the coast. 

One day sails appeared coming round the headland. 
They were forty British merchant ships and two war vessels, 
the "Serapis" and a smaller war vessel. At once prepara- 
tions for battle were begun. The "Serapis" was a fine 
new frigate carrying forty guns. Its captain and crew were 
brave and eflicient. The "Bon Homme Richard" was just 
one-half as strong, and an old, old ship. 

At 7 o'clock in the evening the British ship hurled a 
broadside into the "Richard." The poor old ship staggered 



68 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

and swayed. Paul Jones himself fired the first gun from 
his ship. The "Richard's" heaviest guns were old and un- 
safe. When they were fired, several of them exploded, kill- 
ing many of our own men. Still the fight went on. The 
heavy batteries of the "Serapis" tore huge holes in the 
''Richard." Paul Jones then forced his ship up to the 
^'Serapis" and with his own hands lashed the two ships 
together. Just then the "AUiance" approached and Jones 
thought help was coming. Instead, the "Alliance," com- 
manded by the treacherous Landais, sailed twice around the 
combatants, then fired a broadside into the "Bon Homme 
Richard" and sailed away. 

While the battle was raging the "Richard's" flag was 
shot away. A voice from the "Serapis" shouted, "Have 
you surrendered?" Jones replied, "I have not yet begun to 
fight!" American sharpshooters climbed into the rigging 
and drove the English from the deck of the "Serapis." One 
sailor crept out on a yard-arm with a bucket full of hand 
grenades. Casting the grenades on the "Serapis," one struck 
a heap of ammunition, causing a terrible explosion. Our 
cannon-fire shot away the enemy's foremast. Just before it 
fell. Captain Pearson hauled down the English flag and 
surrendered. This closed one of the most remarkable sea- 
fights in history. 

The "Bon Homme Richard" was riddled. Every effort 
was made to save the old ship, but nothing could be done. 
Slowly it settled, then took its final plunge to the ocean 
depths, with the star-spangled banner still proudly floating. 

Paul Jones sailed the "Serapis" to France, his fame 
forever established in American history. 



JOHN PAUL JONES 69 

Soon the war ended. Paul Jones remained in charge of 
American naval affairs until 1787. At this time he accepted 
an offer to enter the Russian service. Here he was un- 
fortunate and unhappy. 

In 1790 he returned to France, where he died in 1792. 

In 1905 an American party was sent to France. Paul 
Jones' bones were exhumed, carried to America, and buried 
with great honors at Annapolis, Maryland. 



LAFAYETTE 

1757-1834 



FAR away in the beautiful land of France lived a 
famil}^ of warriors named Lafayette. In many wars 
they had fought hard and long for their country. In 
the course of time from this warlike stock was born a 
boy who not only fought for his own loved land, but 
crossed the great ocean to help the struggling colonists in 
America. 

This boy, Lafayette, was born in 1757, just a little while 
after the news of his father's death had reached the family. 

Lafayette was educated in the best schools of the day. 
He was his mother's constant companion. They walked 
together in their gardens and in the nearby woods. Day 
after day she told him of his ancestors and their daring deeds. 

At twelve years of age he went to school in Paris. Soon 
after this his mother and grandfather died. He was now the 
Marquis de Lafayette. 

His king sent for him. The youthful Marquis pleased 
him. The king made him a page, or attendant to the queen. 
From this time on he was in royal favor. Lafayette joined 
the Royal Guards. 

In 1776 the young Marquis was at the fortress of Metz, 
in Loraine, commanding a company of artiller}'. The Duke 

70 



LAFAYET'JU': 7 1 

of Gloucester, brother of King George 111, had been banished 
from England. He came to a dinner party at Metz. At 
the table he read a letter from England telling of the re- 
bellion in America. 

Lafayette listened with interest. He was filled with a 
great desire to help the struggling patriots. With his friend, 
DeKalb, he planned to go to America. 

They visited the American Ambassador, Silas Deane. 
''We will make you a Major-general. But we have no 
money to pay you or ships to carry you across the ocean," 
said Deane. Lafayette was determined. "I'll serve without 
pay and I'll build a ship to take me to America," were his 
noble words. 

Secretly the expedition was prepared. The French king 
was not yet ready to help America openly. Lafayette must 
act secretly or his arrest and detention in France would 
result. His ship was sent to Spain. One night Lafayette 
DeKalb, and twelve others crossed the Pyrenees Moun- 
tains, hastened to the coast, boarded the ship, and sailed 
away, just as the king's messengers reached the port with 
orders for him to stay in France. 

The French ship reached America safely, anchoring off 
the coast of South Carolina. The party landed and drove 
to Philadelphia, reaching there about the time the English 
were planning to attack that city. 

Lafayette was now only twenty years old. Congress 
made him a Major-general. Washington appointed him 
one of his aides. The youthful general was wounded at 
Brand}' wine Creek, while bravely resisting the advance of 
the British. 



LAFAYETTE 73 

You will recall how Washington continued attacking the 
British around Philadelphia until winter made him go into 
winter-quarters at Valley Forge. 

The French patriot spent that winter with his men in 
Valley Forge. The example of this faithful French ally, 
suffering hunger and cold for a country not his own, fired 
the Americans with enthusiasm, helping them to stand the 
strain. Lafayette shared their few joys and many suffer- 
ings through all that terrible winter. 

News of the defeat at Saratoga reaching France caused 
that nation to recognize our independence. The French 
king could now openly praise Lafayette. Congress thought 
that Lafayette could help us in France, and after the battle 
of Monmouth he sailed to his native land. 

The king received him with great honors and joy, for- 
giving his disobedience and restoring him to favor. La- 
fayette assisted Franklin in securing money, troops, and 
ships from the king. 

He could not stay long in France. The call to active 
service was too strong. He returned to America and to the 
army. Benedict Arnold was leading a British force into 
Virginia. Lafayette was sent to oppose him. The Marquis 
joined General Wayne's forces. Cornwallis succeeded Ar- 
nold, and retreated to York town. 

Washington's troops hurried from New York. The com- 
bined American forces, uniting in attack with the French 
fleet, forced Cornwallis to surrender. 

Shortly after this Lafayette returned to his home in 
France. 

In 1784 he returned to America to visit Washington at 



74 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Mount Vernon. The two friends made many trips together, 
visiting the scenes of their active operations in the war. 
With hearty expressions of regard they separated, to see 
each other no more. 

Lafayette went to France. In his own beloved land he 
was called to help his own people. He helped them secure 
more liberties from the king. A terrible revolution started. 
Lafayette tried to prevent murder and outrages, but the 
people were too excited to hsten. Many, many people were 
killed. 

Lafayette was seized by the Emperor of Austria and put 
in jail. This king was afraid of the Marquis. He feared 
to have his people listen to the tales of American and 
French liberty. Lafayette was in prison until Napoleon 
became ruler of France. Then all French prisoners were 
released. 

President Monroe sent Lafayette an invitation to \dsit 
America. With his son, named for George Washington, 
Lafa}'ette visited the nation he had helped to free. A great 
ovation met him in New York. Triumphal arches awaited 
his entry to the city. Parades and receptions met him 
everywhere. 

He drove on the newly completed roads and sailed on the 
Erie Canal. He visited every one of the twenty-four states, 
marveling at the growth of this new land. 

Congress, grateful for his many services, voted him 
$200,000. Many of the states offered him gifts, but he 
refused them. 

On July 4th he listened reverently to the reading of the 
Declaration of Independence in New York City. No doubt 



LAFAYETTE 



7S 



as he listened he thought of the stirring tale told years ago 
at Metz, that brought him to America. 

Just before leaving for France he visited Washington's 
grave at Mount Vernon, entered the vault and stood with 
bared head and tearful eyes, before the grave of his friend. 

Returning to France, he took an active part in the life 
of that country until his death in 1824. 

On October 19, 1898, the anniversary of the Battle of 
Yorktown, a grateful republic held celebrations in honor of 
the Frenchman, Lafayette. In every town and city through- 
out the nation our debt to Lafayette was acknowledged. 
Money was collected to erect a monument in Paris to his 
memory. The monument was dedicated July 4, 1900. His 
memory is still revered in this great republic. It was at his 
tomb in France that General Pershing stood in 191 8 with 
bared head, saying, "Lafayette, we are here!" 




GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 

1752-1818 



T^VEN a very poor boy who lived in the woods when 
-*— ^ our great nation was young could become famous. 
George Rogers Clark was such a boy. He was born in 
Virginia. His boyhood days were spent in the woods on 
the frontiers of that great state. Here he learned self- 
reliance, the habits of the Indians, and how to shoot straight. 

At the age of twenty-five he went to Kentucky. He 
worked as a surveyor. He was with Daniel Boone on a 
number of his trips and adventures. Here he perfected 
himself in backwoods' skill. He learned the wilderness 
paths and the lay of the land. 

Each fresh Indian attack made him think how to stop 
the trouble forever. ''We can't kill all of them," he thought. 
''Why are they attacking us? Most of them come from the 
north of us. I wonder if the EngHsh are keeping the Indians 
excited?" The more he thought, the clearer came the idea 
that the EngHsh were responsible. "We must destroy the 
EngHsh power in the north," thought he. 

The English held the land north of the Ohio River. 
They had three important forts — Kaskaskia, Vincennes, 
and Detroit. 

76 



GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 77 

He made up his mind to lead an expedition to take 
these forts. Friends of his visited the towns. They learned 
that the French residents did not like the English and would 
welcome a change. They also found that the English were 
stirring up the Indians for an attack. 

In 1777 Clark left Kentucky on a long trip to Virginia. 
He needed money and men. So he visited the governor 
of the state, Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry hstened to his 
tale with great interest. Virginia had no money just then. 
Its energies were being used in the east in the conflict with 
England. Henry spoke to his friends. Among them they 
contributed £1200, about $6000. This was secretly given 
to Clark. At the same time he received a commission as 
Colonel and authority to raise 350 men to protect Kentucky 
from the Indians. Secretly he was told to use these men to 
attack the English in the northwest. 

In January, 1778, he began to choose his men. He could 
not expect many from Kentucky. They were needed at 
home. In the Appalachian region he expected to find his 
men. He could enlist but 150. They started, floating down 
the Ohio River to its Falls. Here they were met by some 
volunteers from Kentucky and from Virginia. 

''Men," said Clark, "we are going to attack the English 
at Kaskaskia." Loud cheers rang out. All the men w^ould 
rather fight than eat. They were sturdy, rugged men, used 
to living in the woods. All were dead shots with the rifle. 

Near the falls they built a fort, remaining until the fol- 
lowing June. Then breaking camp, the small force floated on 
down the Ohio till they passed the mouth of the Tennessee. 
Leaving their boats, the men started through the woods to- 



78 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

ward Kaskaskia. The woods were thick. Almost every 
step had to be chopped out with their axes, but they pushed 
on. 

On July 4th they were within three miles of the town. A 
captured family ga\'e them the welcome news that their 
advance had not been discovered. 

That night they made the attack. Fifteen of them went 
to the fort, the remainder entered the town. The attack 
on the fort was rapid. The fifteen men rushed to the com- 
mander's room, captured him, and then in quick succession 
the remaining officers. 

A series of war whoops rang out in the still night. This 
was the signal for the town force to act. Yelling like demons, 
they rushed through the town. Loud commands were given 
to everyone to stay indoors. 

The next day the town was searched for arms. The 
innocent townsfolk were terrified. Colonel Clark soothed 
their fears, and told them that France had agreed to help 
the United States. That made all of them happy. Said he, 
''Each one of you is free to worship God as he wills." At 
once the Americans were received with cheers. The priest 
was so pleased that he made a trip to Vincennes and told 
the people of Clark's generosity. He induced them to 
leave the English, and the American flag was raised over 
that to\Mi. 

Clark knew, however, that his work was not finished. 
He knew that General Hamilton, the English commander, 
would not lose these forts without a struggle. Hamilton 
was called the "Hair-buyer" by the Americans. It was said 
that he paid the Indians for Am.erican scalps. 



GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 



79 



Hamilton, with a large force of French Canadians, at 
once left Detroit for Vincennes. {lis approach brought 
about the surrender of the fort. It was now winter. Ham- 
ilton decided to wait until spring before making other at- 
tacks. He sent the greater portion of his forces back to 
Detroit. 

Colonel Clark's troubles were now beginning. He must 
either attack or wait to be attacked. His volunteers wished 




Map showing route of Clark's expedition. 

to go home. Their time of enlistment was over. Many 
of them did go home. Nothing daunted, Clark enhsted 
the French citizens of the town. He trained them daily 
until they were in good fighting shape. 

That winter was one of heavy snows. Between Kas- 
kaskai and Vincennes were frozen marshes and snow- 
covered wildernesses. A sudden thaw filled this section 
with water. The river rose, adding to the flood. Never- 



8o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

theless, Clark decided to advance. He knew that he must 
take Vincennes by surprise or not at all. 

He started early in February, 1799. With him were 
170 American and French soldiers. The first week of the 
advance was not as bad as expected. They secured some 
buffalo and had a feast. The remainder of their journey 
was wading or swimming. A large canoe was built to carry 
their baggage and to ferry the men across the deep channels. 
At no time were they in less than three feet of water. 

Fancy the march! In February, in Ohio — wading and 
swimming for seventeen days to attack a fort. 

They marched on. Food was scarce. The floods had 
driven the animals away. At night they had barely enough 
dry land for their camps. The men demanded that they 
return. Clark encouraged them to advance. 

When fifteen days from Kaskaskia they crossed the 
Wabash River. It was raining. No land was in sight ex- 
cept the tops of little hills. Many of the men were so weak 
from exposure that they had to be carried in the canoes. 
The others were often in water up to their chins. Still they 
pressed on. In the distance, over a dreary waste of water, 
appeared the forests around Vincennes. 

Threats of mutiny were heard on all sides. Clark took 
his usual place at their head, ordered his officers to take the 
rear and shoot any one who refused to go on. Then he 
led the way into the water. It turned bitter cold. Their 
clothes froze on them. All but the strongest began to give 
out when half-way across. Those who fell were put in 
the canoes or carried by their comrades. Exhausted, they 
reached the high land and fell to the earth. 



GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 8 I 

A captured Frenchman told Clark that Hamilton did 
not suspect his coming and that the- townspeople hated the 
EngKshmen. 

Waiting until his men had rested, warmed themselves, 
dried their clothing and guns, he sent the prisoner to the 
town with a "proclamation" stating that he would attack the 
fort that night, and that if any one wanted to warn the Eng- 
lish, to do so, and then stay in the fort and fight for their lives. 

His name and troops terrified the people. Not one went 
near the fort. 

At 7 o'clock the attack on the fort was begun. Hamilton 
could not believe he was attacked. He thought some 
drunken Indians were shooting. The rising moon, however, 
showed him white men all around. He at once opened fire 
with his cannon. Clark's sharpshooters picked off the men 
at the cannon as fast as they approached the guns. This 
silenced the cannon. 

Fifty men were sent to the village to prevent an attack 
from the rear. This was fortunate. A band of Indians had 
just returned from the war path. Scalps dangling at their 
belts enraged the white men. They attacked them, killed 
a number, captured six, and forced the rest to flee. The 
prisoners were tomahawked, scalped, and thrown into the 
river. The French Canadians in the fort were terrified. 
They feared that this too would be their fate. 

"Surrender!" said Colonel Clark. Hamilton refused, but 
he knew he could not hold out. His garrison was too fright- 
ened to fight effectively. He asked for three days truce. 
*'No terms but the surrender of yourself and the garrison," 
was Colonel Clark's stern reply. 



82 



HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 



On February 25th the fort surrendered. The American 
flag was raised. Vincennes was again an American station. 
Hamilton was sent a prisoner to Virginia. 

Clark's splendid victories gave us the right to demand 
this land when the Revolutionary War was over. Our 
peace commissioners claimed that the land was ours because 
we had won it. When the peace treaty was signed ^ve 
secured all the land between the Ohio and the Mississippi 
Rivers and northward to the Great Lakes. Clark's superb 
efforts and untiring enthusiasm had won this great tract 
of land for our country. 




George Rogers Clark. 



ROBERT MORRIS 

1734-1806 



A GAIN our land, with its many openings for bright 
^^' boys, drew to itself a boy born in England. Robert 
Morris, a sturdy Briton, sailed across the great ocean to 
Philadelphia when he was fourteen years old. 

At that time Philadelphia was a small but growing town. 
None of its streets was paved and its houses were nearly 
all made of wood. 

Robert Morris came to Philadelphia to be a trader. He 
secured a job as clerk in Willing's Mercantile House. This 
store was something like what we call a country store today. 
Mr. Willing imported many things from England, selling 
them to his neighbors. 

Robert was a sturdy, energetic boy. He worked hard 
until late in the night. He had determined to be rich. 
When he was twenty years old he became a partner in the 
store. On the shingle outside the door Willing and Morris 
now proudly swung in the breeze. Robert brought new 
life and energy into the business. It branched out and 
became one of the most important stores in the town. He 
became known as a man who could be trusted and whose 
word was as good as his bond. 

83 



84 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Robert Morris lived in stirring times. England had 
passed the Stamp Act, as you have learned, and then the 
tax on tea. 

The merchants of the country were aroused. Morris 
was one of the first to sign the agreement not to buy any 
more goods from England. He kept this agreement strictly. 

Such a sturdy, honest man would, of course, take an 
active part in the civic hfe of his town. Morris was a 
leader in pohtics. He was elected to the legislature of the 
colony. This legislature made him one of the delegates to 
the Continental Congresses. 

The Second Continental Congress found him opposed 
to independence. Morris still felt a love for the mother 
country. He hoped that the government would stop its 
harsh acts and that the colonies would remain a part of 
Great Britain. So he voted against the Declaration of In- 
dependence on July 4, 1776. On August 2d, however, he 
had changed his mind. Independence was the only remedy, 
so he signed the Declaration of Independence. 

Soon Robert Morris was to be heart and soul in the Revo- 
lution. His firm was the largest importing house in the 
city. They also conducted a kind of bank. His training 
and business connections naturally made him a leader in 
money matters. 

Money affairs were in bad shape. Trade with England 
had been cut off. Our merchant ships were in danger of 
capture by English war vessels. In spite of this, many 
ships left our harbors. One safe voyage would pay for 
several lost ships. Morris made a fortune in this way. 

Congress, however, could not secure enough money to 



ROBERT MORRIS 85 

pay the soldiers and to buy food, clothing, and powder. 
It had little power to make the states pay. It could only 
ask the states for money, and they would send what they 
wished. For a time it looked as if we must lose because 
there was little money in the public treasury and no way 
to secure more. 

Congress asked Robert Morris to help raise money, 
making him Superintendent of Finance. This was in 1781. 

It would be most pleasant reading if we could state 
that Robert Morris made everything go right. This would 
not be the truth. He worked hard, very hard. By tre- 
mendous labor he found enough money to keep the army 
together and to secure powder. 

In this effort Franklin's work in France was most help- 
ful. The money loaned by the French Government gave 
Morris a start and kept him going. 

Many stories are told of Robert Morris and his lending 
his own money to help. There is but one time that we know 
of when he actually loaned his own money. All that he 
loaned was paid back to him before the end of the Revolu- 
tion. 

Toward the close of the war Washington was in New 
York. He decided to go south with his army to unite with 
General Greene and Lafayette before Yorktown. This sounds 
easy today, but it was a great task then. First of all, money 
was needed. Money was needed to pay for the ships to take 
the troops down the Chesapeake and to buy their food. We 
needed money to buy powder and other supplies. This was 
Morris' task. How could he find it? From several French 
officers he borrowed $20,000 and did the work. 




Bradford Photo. 



Robert Morris. 



From the Stuart portrait, 
Independence Hall. 



ROBERT MORRIS 87 

While he did not use his own money to pay our debts, he 
did use his credit to borrow money for us, and the financial 
success of the Revolution was due largely to his patriotic 
efforts. 

In his work to find money to carry on the war he was 
hindered because there was no bank. In 1781 he planned 
to build a bank in Philadelphia. This was called the Bank 
of North America. It is still in existence at Third and 
Chestnut Streets. Morris was one of its stockholders, but 
never an officer. The bank made many enemies. Never- 
theless, Morris was able to use it to borrow money for the 
United States. 

Congress still refused to levy taxes and the states re- 
fused to give money. Again Congress turned to France to 
borrow. Robert Morris said, ''No. It is not honest to 
try to borrow when you are making no arrangements to 
pay your debt.'' He resigned, but a few months later he 
was again induced to take the position. 

The army was giving a great deal of trouble. The 
soldiers had not been paid for months. They threatened 
to mutiny. Some of them did start to march on Philadel- 
phia. Washington's influence stopped this. Then Morris, 
by hard labor, raised money for the soldiers. They were 
paid off with notes. While these notes were worth only 
twenty cents for a dollar, still the army disbanded peace- 
fully. 

After the army had been disbanded Morris was able to 
reduce the expenses of the government. In spite of this, 
however, he still needed money. He tried again and again 
to raise monev. At this time he used his own credit to 



88 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

borrow money for the government. We must remember, 
however, that he was repaid in full and never lost a cent 
through his efforts for his country. 

On November i, 1784, he again resigned and retired for 
a while from the affairs of the central government, but re- 
mained active in his state and city. 

The war was now over. The old motive of common de- 
fense had disappeared. The Union was gradually going to 
pieces. Commerce was in poor shape. Each state made 
its own laws, never thinking of its neighbors. Something 
had to be done. A convention was held in Philadelphia to 
make a new Constitution — to ''form a more perfect union.'' 
Robert Morris was one of the delegates. 

He did not take an active part in the convention, but 
he did use his power and influence to secure its ratification 
by his state. 

He was one of the first senators elected from Penn- 
sylvania. 

All this time Morris continued his own private business. 
He engaged in trade with China, and is said to have made 
great wealth. During these prosperous days he lived in 
the old mansion house on what is now known as Lemon 
Hill, Fairmount Park. Here Washington frequently stayed 
when he was in Philadelphia. 

Thinking that Congress might make the seat of the 
capital near Trenton, he bought great tracts of land there. 
These he hoped to sell later at good prices. This was his 
first step toward disaster. These lands never brought a 
good price. Then he bought a tract of land in the wilds of 
New York. This he sold and made a great deal of money. 



ROBERT MORRIS . 89 

The fever of speculating in land entered his blood. He 
bought an enormous amount of unsettled lands. Improve- 
ments did not come. He could not pay his creditors. He 
gave note after note, but no money could be found. This 
was his country's opportunity. A helping hand at this time 
would have saved him from dishonor. But no help was 
offered. 

At last the crash came. On February i6, 1798, when he 
was sixty-five years old, he was arrested and placed in jail. 
He was there three years, six months, and ten days. His 
family was in dire distress. His friends tried to help him, 
but his debts were too large. He had very little money 
and his lands were worthless. 

Washington heard of Morris' misfortune. He loved him, 
and wanted to help. He could do nothing for Robert 
himself, but he could help his wife. At once Mrs. Morris 
was asked to make her home at Mount Vernon. Nothing, 
however, could persuade her to leave Philadelphia. She 
wished to stay near her husband. 

When Morris was released from prison he and his wife 
lived in a few rooms until his death. He died in 1806. He 
was buried in Christ Church graveyard. A simple stone 
marks the grave of the Financier of the Revolution. 



ANTHONY WAYNE 

1745-1796 



'W'OU have read stories of New England's famous boys, 
-*^ of Virginia's famous sons, and of boys who came here 
from across the great seas to win fame. The great colony 
of Pennsylvania, too, sent its sons to win fame and honor 
in the service of their country. 

Anthony Wayne was a Pennsylvania boy. Shortly 
after his birth the Indians and French were actively raiding 
the Enghsh settlers in the valleys of the Monongahela and 
Allegheny rivers. A few years later Washington made his 
famous journey to see the French commander at Fort 
Le Boeuf. 

So the boy Anthony grew up surrounded by war activ- 
ities. He was sent to school. He was not fond of study, 
but he did like to play soldier. Many a fort and redoubt 
were built when he should have been studying. One day 
his father said, "Anthony, either study or work on the 
farm." Anthony at once went to his books. In course of 
time he was sent to the Academy in Philadelphia. For two 
years he studied hard. On graduating he was a skilful 
surveyor. 

At nineteen years of age an association was formed to 
make settlements in Nova Scotia. At Frankhn's sugges- 

90 



ANriiONY WAYNE 9 1 

tion young Anthony was made the leader. In Nova Scotia 
all went well. Wayne diligently made surveys of the dis- 
trict. His ability was so marked that he was made resident 
manager. This enterprise lasted two years. Troubles be- 
tween Great Britain and the colonies forced the settlers to 
, return. 

When tw^enty-two years of age Wayne married, living on 
his father's estate in Chester County. He built a large 
tannery w^hich he managed successfully. He soon became 
the leader of the town, holding many offices. 

Wayne, however, was not destined to stay in peaceful 
surroundings. In 1776 the colonies were at war with the 
mother country. He at once offered his services to his 
country and was made a colonel. 

Wayne joined the army under Washington. Later he was 
sent to Fort Ticonderoga, and still later ordered to join 
Washington at Morristown. His bravery and skill soon 
earned promotion. As General Wayne he commanded eight 
regiments of Pennsylvanians. These saw active service at 
Chadd's Ford and in the Battle of German town. 

The long, w^eary winter at Valley Forge saw Wa}^ne 
^•isiting and cheering his men in their humble huts. Their 
sufferings w^ent to his heart. 'T am not fond of danger,'' 
he wrote to a friend, ''but I would most cheerfully agree to 
enter into action every week in place of visiting each hut 
of my encampment." 

The long wanter grew to a close. As you know, the 
French decided to help us. The British left Philadelphia. 
Wayne was with the Americans in the pursuit across New 
Jersey. 




Anthony Wayne. 



From living's 
"Life of Washington. 



ANTHONY WAYNE 93 

His daring, dash, and skill made him an ideal leader for 
an assault. Stoney Point, on the Hudson, had been seized 
by the British. This must be retaken. At nightfall Wayne 
and his little army marched to the attack. Between them 
and the fort was a tract of marshy land. Silently, with 
fixed bayonets, they hurried on. Before their presence was 
known they were scahng the walls. The fort was taken and 
with it 500 prisoners. 

Unfortunately, Wayne did not have enough men to hold 
Stoney Point. Cornwalhs was advancing in force. So the 
little army withdrew to safety. Wayne was active here, 
adding new laurels to his record. 

At the close of the war he remained in the army. 

While Washington was President serious troubles sprang 
up with the Indians west of the Ohio River. By the treaty 
that ended the Revolution the English had agreed to leave 
all this territory. They remained. Indian activities against 
the settlers increased. 

General St. Clair was sent to destroy the Indian power. 
His army was surprised and the greater part killed by the 
Indians. A year or so later a new expedition under Wayne 
was sent to make this land safe. Through the woods the 
expedition advanced. Fort Recovery was built on the old 
battleground. A few miles farther on Wayne erected Fort 
Defiance. He tried to end the troubles peacefully, but the 
Indians would not listen. 

Then he struck and he struck hard. Charging with 
fixed bayonets, the troops forced the Indians to leave 
their hiding-place of fallen timbers. The Indians broke 
and fled. The troops pursued. For three days they 



94 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

ravaged the cornfields, burning the storehouses of the 
EngHsh. 

The Indian power was broken. Many Indians lay dead 
on the ground. The broken tribes then agreed to withdraw, 
giving up all lands east of the Wabash River. The expedi- 
tion pushed on to Detroit. A few years later the EngHsh 
forts were given over to the Americans. This section was 
made safe to settlers again. 

From Detroit the expedition sailed to Presque Isle, now 
Erie, Pa. Here Wayne sickened and died. At his own 
request he was buried at the foot of the flag pole. 

In 1809 his son had his remains removed and reburied in 
St. David's churchyard, at Radnor, a few miles from 
Philadelphia. 



JOHN BARRY 

1745-1803 



TSNT it curious that two of the greatest naval heroes of 
-*■ the Revolutionary War were not born in America? 
John Paul Jones was a Scotch lad, John Barry an Irish 
boy. Little is known of Barry's youth except that he 
soon formed a great love for the sea and decided to be a 
sailor. 

When fifteen years old he came to Philadelphia. Here 
he secured jobs on various ships belonging to Samuel 
Meredith, and later on those owned by WilHngs and Morris. 
At twenty-one years of age he was a full-fledged captain 
sailing between Philadelphia and the Barbadoes. From this 
time on he was constantly at sea. His commands became 
more important and, his cruises longer. 

WTien the Revolution broke out Barry had just returned 
from a trip to London. He at once offered his services to 
Congress. His skill was well known. All of his cruises 
had been successful. So he was appointed at once to one 
of the largest war ships then in our possession. 

On board the "Lexington" Captain Barry started down 
the Delaware. Soon the ship was stopped. The ice was too 
thick for it to push through. "WTien the river was open again 
he set sail for the open sea. 

9S 



96 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

An English vessel sighted him and sailed in pursuit. 
The ''Lexington" was too fast and sailed rapidly away. 
A week later Captain Barry sighted a sloop 'of war. He 
started in pursuit. The sloop turned to fight and heavy 
broadsides were fired. Soon the Enghsh ship lowered its 
colors. 

Among the prisoners taken was a young Virginian, 
Richard Dale. Dale had been induced to join the British. 
Captain Barry talked with him long and earnestly, finally 
winning him over to the American cause. Dale enlisted on 
the ''Lexington," later served with Paul Jones on the 
"Bon Homme Richard," and became a captain in the Ameri- 
can navy. 

This capture, while not of much importance when we 
think of the size of the ship, was most important because 
it was the first engagement between an American and English 
war vessel. It put courage into the hearts of the patriots 
on shore. As the battle of Bunker Hill showed that Ameri- 
cans could stand firmly against the British regulars, so this 
showed that Americans could meet the great British navy 
and hold their own. 

Captain Barry returned to Philadelphia. He was placed 
in charge of the shipping on the Delaware River and Bay. 
His small fleet sailed these waters, protecting the vessels 
bringing supplies and defying English war vessels to enter 
the bay. 

About this time he was given a larger ship. Congress 
placed him in command of the "Eggingham," a ship carry-' 
ing twenty-eight guns. 

In those troubled days when Washington hurried across 



JOHN BARRY 97 

New Jersey with Cornwallis at his heels, Barry was ready 
with boats to assist in the crossing of the Delaware. Later 
he directed the transport of the troops to attack Trenton, 
and carried the prisoners and captured supphes down the 
river to Philadelphia. 

When the English sailed against Philadelphia, they 
planned to ascend the Delaware. This was impossible 
because of the forts and Barry's ships. The English came 
up the Chesapeake instead, marching overland to Phila- 
delphia. 

Barry was still on the Delaware River and Bay. His 
work was to keep supplies from reaching the English at 
Philadelphia by way of the Delaware. The hard pressed 
army in Valley Forge owed many of their supplies and much 
of their clothing to Barry's gallant actions. Few indeed 
were the English supply ships that passed him. 

The expected arrival of powerful British war ships and 
the capture of Fort Miflflin compelled Barry to run past 
Philadelphia to the waters north of the city. In safety, 
one dark night, the entire fleet sailed past the British 
batteries to the more shallow waters above the city. Here 
they could lie in safety. 

While anchored here Barry thought of a plan to destroy 
the English ships. He secured a number of ship buoys, 
loaded them with powder, and set them adrift to float down 
to the English ships. These curious floats were seen by the 
British on the shore. The batteries opened fire. The at- 
tempt failed. Francis Hopkinson called this the ''Battle 
of the Kegs," writing a funny poem about it. 

In five row boats, with 27 men, Barry attacked some 
7 




Bradford Photo. 



John Barry. 



From portrait in 
Independence Hall, 



JOHN BARRY 99 

British supply vessels and captured them. An English 
sloop of war appeared — the "Alert." He signaled it to 
surrender. The commander gave up his sloop. Barry 
boarded her and took her for his own ship, sailing up and 
down the river, doing as much damage to English shipping 
as possible. Later he had to run aground to escape capture 
by a larger war vessel that outsailed him. 

The small fleet in the upper Delaware was ordered sunk 
by Congress. Later they were raised. Soon after the Eng- 
lish succeeded in burning them. Barry was now without a 
command. 

So valuable a man could not long remain inactive. 
Barry was ordered to Boston to take command of the 
"Raleigh." He found the ship in bad condition. Never- 
theless he put to sea. Two large Enghsh ships pursued 
him. He could not escape. In the engagement two of his 
masts were shot away. He ran the ship aground on an island, 
planning to blow it up. A traitor aboard prevented this, 
so the English captured the "Raleigh." 

A court of inquiry acquitted Barry of any blame. He 
was at once placed in command of a small fleet to lead an 
attack in Florida. This was prevented by the English 
attack in Charleston. 

Barry was then transferred to the "America," a ship of 
se^x'nty-four guns. He was ordered to superintend its build- 
ing in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

This task was not pleasing to his active nature. While 
waiting for the ship Barry accepted ser\'ice on a fleet of pri- 
vateersmen fitted out in Philadelphia. Putting to sea, he 
captured many prizes. 



loo HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

The wreck of a large French ship near Boston compelled 
Congress to give the ^'Ame xa" to France. Barry was then 
placed in command of the "AlHance." This was the largest 
ship in the navy. It was this ship that earlier, under 
the command of the Frenchman, Landais, had fired on the 
^'Bon Homme Richard" in the fight with the ^'Serapis." 
Barry retained command of this ship until the close of 
war. 

This ship carried our special envoy, Colonel Laurens, to 
France, and at the close of the war took the distinguished 
Lafayette to France. 

When the war was over the ''AlKance" was sold, becom- 
ing a merchant vessel. 

The United States was now without a navy. In 1793 
England and France were again at war. Both of these na- 
tions captured our merchant vessels. Washington recom- 
mended the building of war vessels. Six ships were ordered 
built. 

Captain Barry was the officer first named to take charge. 
He was made the ranking officer and given command of the 
little fleet. He was now a Commodore, though he retained 
the title of Captain. 

The Commodore was commissioned to supervise the con- 
struction of the frigate ''United States." He made a trip 
to Georgia where he personally selected live oak for the 
timbers. In May, 1797, the good ship was launched, and 
in July of the same year put to sea. 

Commodore Barry was ordered to cruise along the coast 
to protect the towns and our shipping. Later he went to the 
West Indies where a fleet of small French war ships had 



JOHN BARRY loi 

collected. He captured several, returning to Philadelphia 
with his prizes. 

In 1798 he was made chairman of a committee appointed 
to reorganize the American Navy. This committee's recom- 
mendations were followed. Many of its suggestions are still 
in use. 

During Jefferson's administration the navy was put in 
reserve. Barry was released from service, returning to 
his home in Philadelphia. His health began to fail. Trou- 
bles with Tripoli compelled Jefferson to put the ships again 
in commission. He offered the command to Barry, but 
Barry's failing health prevented his acceptance. This time 
his country's call had to pass unheeded. 

In 1803 he died at his home on Chestnut Street, near 
loth. He was buried in St. Mary's churchyard. 

In 1907 a fine statue of Commodore Barry was erected 
in Independence Square. In Philadelphia one of its newest 
and finest school buildings is named after the Commodore, 
who spent his life in the service of his countrv. 



JOHN PETER MUHLENBERG 

1746-1807 



TWTERCHANTS' sons, farmers' boys, and traders' 
'*^^-*- children walked side by side to fame and honor. 
The professions, too, gave their share. Muhlenberg was 
a minister's son. 

He, like Anthony Wayne, was a Pennsylvanian. He 
came of that strong, sturdy stock called the 'Tenns}dvania 
Dutch." His father was the founder of the first Lutheran 
Church in America. John Peter was the oldest son. He 
was destined from his birth to be a minister, to carry the 
Lutheran beliefs to the people of America, to take up his 
father's task where he laid it down. 

Until the bo}^ was fifteen years old his father taught 
him at home. The family then moved to Philadelphia, 
where Peter entered the academy. At sixteen years of age 
he went to Germany to complete his education. He entered 
a preparatory school and later a university. 

Peter was a hot tempered lad. One day, in a fury over 
some fancied wrong, he struck his tutor in the face. This 
meant his expulsion. He ran away and enlisted in a German 
regiment. An Englishman, a friend of Peter's father, found 
him in a garrison town. He arranged for his discharge. 



JOHN PETER MUHLENBERG 103 

Young Muhlenberg returned to America. His father 
received him with open arms and great kindness. John 
Peter reaUzed his mistakes and gave his earnest attention 
to study. He was not anxious to be a minister, but yielded 
to his father's desire. He studied theology. 

When twenty-one years old he was ordained rector of a 
church in New Jersey near Morristown. He stayed there 
four years, when he was asked to take charge of the church 
at Woodstock, Virginia. This was in 1772. 

You will recall that at this 'time, throughout all the 
colonies, the harsh measures of the English Government had 
aroused intense feeling among the people. Muhlenberg's 
interests were with the people. He was against the king's 
party. Muhlenberg at once became well liked and exerted 
a great influence over his people. He was fond of hunting 
and fishing. He was a good shot. These things further 
endeared him to the Virginians. Frequently he went hunt- 
ing with Washington and fishing with Patrick Henry. 

In 1774 the Boston Port Bill fanned the embers of dis- 
content into flames. The citizens of Woodstock caUed a 
meeting and formed a Committee of Safety. Muhlenberg 
was made chairman. He was made a member of the House 
of Burgesses and of the State Convention. In the Con- 
vention he supported the resolutions proposed by Patrick 
Henry. 

Throughout the state companies of volunteers were 
being raised. Muhlenberg was made a colonel. He de- 
cided to leave the ministry and give his whole time to the 
colonial cause. He was now twenty-nine years old. 

He sent in his resignation as rector of the church. Sun- 




Bradford Photo. 



John Peter Muhlenberg. 



From engraving in Penna. 
Historical Society. 



JOHN PETER MUHLENBERG 105 

day came. The little church was filled to the doors. The 
quiet burial ground was jammed with men. They had 
come to hear their beloved pastor preach his farewell sermon. 

Muhlenberg, clad in full military uniform, with his 
pastor^s cloak thrown loosely over his shoulders, ascended 
the pulpit. 

An expectant hush thrilled the audience. Excited faces 
looked intently at the speaker. Muhlenberg told them of 
the sufferings of the people, of the injustice of the English 
Government, and the sacred character of their cause, and 
then declaimed that there was a time to pray and a time 
to fight, '^and that time has now come!" Rapidly de- 
scending from the pulpit he threw aside his priestly robes, 
ordering the drums to beat for recruits. Three hundred 
men answered his call to arms that afternoon. The next 
day more flocked to his standard. He was the first colonel 
in Virginia to complete his regiment. 

Muhlenberg took part in all of Washington's campaigns, 
beginning with the winter at Morristown Heights. He was 
made a Brigadier-general. He helped hold the English 
back at the Battle of Brandy wine and covered the retreat of 
the main army. 

His division was successful at German town, breaking 
through the English line in a savage bayonet charge. The 
failure of the other wing almost trapped him, but his men 
fought their way out to safety at the point of the bayonet. 

He lived and suffered with his men during the long hard 
winter at Valley Forge. 

Muhlenberg was at Yorktown. One of his regiments 
stormed the redoubts, helping win the battle. 



Io6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

At the close of the war he refused to return to the minis- 
try. He decided to go to his father's home in Pennsylvania 
and later enter business in Philadelphia. 

Receiving from the government 13,000 acres of land for 
his ser\dces during the Revolution, Muhlenberg located 
them in Ohio. Congress appointed him superintendent of 
the bounty lands, as the soldiers' lands were called. He 
went to Ohio to make arrangements for the distribution and 
surveys of the land. Indian troubles prevented the com- 
pletion of this work. He went home through Kentucky 
and the Cumberland Gap. 

In 1785 he was elected Vice-president of Pennsylvania, a 
position he held until 1788. In this position he had to 
suppress an insurrection at Wyoming caused by trouble 
among the settlers over boundries. 

Muhlenberg was successful in inducing the German 
population of the state to ratify the Constitution. He was 
made a member of the First Congress and later a senator 
from Pennsylvania. 

President Jefferson appointed him Superintendent of 
Internal Revenue, and in 1802 made him Collector of the 
Port of Philadelphia. This was one of the best paying 
positions in the country. He held this ofhce until his death 
in 1807. 

He is buried in Montgomery County, beside his father. 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON 

1757-1804 



^^NE of the greatest financiers our country has ever 
^^ known came here when a youth. Alexander Hamil- 
ton was an P^nglish boy born on the Island of Nevis in the 
West Indies. His father was a Scotchman, his mother 
a descendant of the French Huguenots. 

Very Httle is known of his early life. At twelve years 
of age Alexander was employed in a counting house. Here 
he worked and studied. He was always interested in lit- 
erature. When seventeen years old he wrote a fine descrip- 
tion of a hurricane in the West Indies. This aroused so 
much interest that money was raised to send him to school. 

He was sent to America in 1772, and entered a school at 
Elizabethtown, Massachusetts. One year later he entered 
King's College (now Columbia) in New York City. Two 
years later he visited Boston, becoming much interested in 
the colonies' side of the trouble with England. 

One day after his return to New York he saw a great 
meeting gathered in a field. Speaker after speaker ad- 
dressed the crowd. Hamilton listened and gradually drew 
nearer the stand until he could keep still no longer. As- 
cending the platform he poured out his thoughts in a speech 
the clearness of which astounded his hearers. He was now 
definitely on the side of the colonies. 

107 



lo8 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

A Tory pamphlet appeared stating the King's side of 
the story. Hamilton answered it. The argument grew 
heated, Hamilton was winning. Friends of the Tory planned 
to challenge Hamilton to duels until one of them should kill 
him. Fortunately, they decided not to risk this. 

At the beginning of the war he was made commander 
of a company of artillery, forming in New York. While 
engaged in this work he met General Greene, who intro- 
duced him to Washington. Washington soon discovered 
Hamilton's abiUty. 

At the Battle of Long Island Hamilton calmly remained 
at the rear of his retreating troops as they left the island. 
He was with Washington's forces in the retreat across New 
Jersey. 

In March, 1777, with the rank of Lieutenant-colonel, he 
became Washington's aide. This position kept him in 
close touch with the great general. Washington trusted 
him in everything. As aide he carried on all the corre- 
spondence and wrote many of the papers issued by the com- 
manding general. The friendship thus formed continued 
throughout their lives. 

One of his difficult tasks was a mission to secure some 
troops from General Gates. General Gates was at the height 
of his popularity. The Battle of Saratoga had just been won. 
Gates had a very good opinion of himself. Of course, Wash- 
ington could command General Gates to send the troops. 
He did, indeed, give Hamilton a letter of command to use 
if he needed it. Hamilton approached General Gates so 
skilfully and tactfully that the general willingly agreed to 
send the troops. 




Alexander Hamilton. 



From Irving's 
'Life of Washington." 



no HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

One day Hamilton kept General Washington waiting and 
was reproved for it. Drawing himself to his full height Hamil- 
ton resigned as aide. Then he returned to the regular army 
and took part in the siege at Yorktown. He led his troops 
himself in one of the most savage attacks on the forts. 

At the close of the war he began to study law. In 1782 
he practised his new profession. In the same year he was 
made Collector of Taxes in New York. At once he began 
a close study of financial matters, thus preparing for the 
greatest work of his life. 

Our country now passed through its darkest days. 
There was no real power in the central government. The 
Continental Congress, at first a body of men who had won 
the admiration of Europe, now became a body that met 
only contempt. 

The various states were jealous of each other. They 
refused to vote money. They refused to act together on 
commercial matters. Everything was in confusion. All 
Europe was looking on. England refused to leave the forts 
in the Northwest. France was waiting for an opportunity 
to enable her to take us under her protection. 

This was not to be. Virginia took the lead and a con- 
vention was called at Annapolis, Maryland. Hamilton was 
a delegate. As only five men were present, they could do 
nothing. Hamilton, however, suggested that they request 
the states to send men to a convention to be held in Phila- 
delphia the following year, 1787. This was approved. The 
convention was called, and the great Constitutional Conven- 
tion came together in Independence Hall to see what could 
be done to make the union stronger. 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON III 

Hamilton had a hard task before him. His state did not 
approve of any convention. In spite of the opposition he 
succeeded in having delegates appointed. He was made a 
delegate. 

As a delegate he took little part in the debates. He 
knew that the other delegates from New York would vote 
against him. After a while all those delegates withdrew. 
When the Constitution was completed Hamilton courage- 
ously sigAed it as a delegate from New York. 

His work was not yet done. New York had to ratify 
the Constitution not because it was such an important 
state at that time, but because it stood between New 
England and the rest of the country. New York could not 
be left outside. Such a condition would make intercourse 
between New England and states south of New York al- 
most impossible. 

Day after day Hamilton stood in the state convention 
urging, coaxing, and arguing until New York ratified the 
Constitution. 

With all this work he found time to write a great many 
pamphlets explaining the Constitution. These have been 
collected into one book. The}' are now called the "Fed- 
eralist." 

The states ratified the Constitution and George Wash- 
ington was elected the first president of the United States. 

The most important work of the new government was 
to strengthen its finances. We had no money, we had no 
credit, and trade had almost disappeared. Washington 
knew that Hamilton was the right man to change these con- 
ditions. His long association with Hamilton during the war 



112 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

had taught him to know the man. He made him Secretary 
of the Treasury. 

Picture the task before Hamilton. For more than ten 
years there had been no power to raise money for the gov- 
ernment. No government can Kve without money. We 
were deeply in debt, owing large sums to France and Holland. 
We owed great amounts to citizens of our own country. The 
salaries of the soldiers had not been paid. In addition, each 
state owed money that it had borrowed. 

Hamilton had two main ideas : 

1. He wished to strengthen the interest of each state in 
the government. 

2. He must establish public credit. 
How did he do this? 

''We owe all this money," said he. "The only honest 
thing to do is to pay it." But there was no money. He 
suggested that a tax be laid on goods brought into the 
country. The money thus raised was to be used to pay the 
interest on the debt. Then he suggested that Congress 
announce that all the debts would be paid and that the 
new government would pay the state debts too. This made 
the states interested in the government, for they now would 
not have to pay their own Revolutionary War debts. 

Finally he proposed that a bank be started as a place to 
keep the money until it was needed. 

These suggestions were adopted by Congress and the 
nation started toward a period of prosperity. 

Daniel Webster later said of Hamilton, "He struck the 
dead corpse of public credit and it sprang upon its feet." 

Hamilton was never a popular man. In his work he 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON 1 13 

met one Aaron Burr. They were close rivals. Hamilton 
never liked him and Burr hated Hamilton. Many a time 
Hamilton told the truth concerning Burr's underhand 
methods. 

Finally, in 1803, Burr planned to kill Hamilton. He did 
not wish to be tried for murder. He decided to use a custom 
of the day — the duel. 

In those days a man could challenge an opponent to 
fight him with swords or pistols. If he killed him he could 
not be punished. So Burr challenged Hamilton. Hamilton 
accepted. 

Burr at once began to practice shooting. Hamilton 
continued his work. • They met early in the morning of a 
July day on the banks of the beautiful Hudson. They faced 
each other. The signal was given. Burr iired. Hamilton 
fell mortally wounded, first firing his pistol into the air. A 
few hours later he died. Thus needlessly ended a life spent 
in the service of his adopted country. 

8 



STEPHEN DECATUR 

1729-1820 



'T^HE call of the sea was strong in American life. Of 
■*■ all its sons who tempted the stormy ocean, none was 
braver than Stephen Decatur, the Maryland boy. 

From birth he had every advantage that wealth could 
buy. He was sent to the best schools and given all the 
opportunities then open to boys. 

At eighteen years of age he became a midshipman in 
the navy. He was older than most of the other midshipmen. 
He soon made a name for bravery and daring. He became 
the leader in the sports aboard ship and in the various trials 
of strength and courage. 

Decatur was made a lieutenant on the ''Essex," sailing 
with Captain Bainbridge to the Mediterranean Sea. 

At this time the states on the north coast of Africa, called 
the Barbary States, were the homes of pirate bands. Every 
nation whose vessels sailed on the Mediterranean was com- 
pelled to pay money to these states or have their ships taken 
and destroyed. 

Up to this time no nation had made any real attempt to 
break up these pirate bands. 

Our nation, weary of paying money for protection in the 
Mediterranean, sent a fleet to break up the robber nests. 

114 




Bradford Photo. 



Stephen r3i:cATUR. 



From portrait in 
Independence Hall. 



Il6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

One of our largest vessels, the 'Thiladelphia/' went agi ound 
near the harbor of Tripoli. Every effort was made to float 
her. There was not time to destroy her. She was sur- 
rounded by pirate ships. Our men escaped, but the ship 
was taken. The pirates managed to float her, taking her 
into the harbor, where she was moored. They now owned 
a fine, big ship. 

The officers of the American fleet determined to destroy 
the 'Philadelphia.'^ This would be a most dangerous task. 
The harbor of Tripoli was encircled with forts, while the 
"Philadelphia" herself was heavily armed. The Commodore 
decided to send Decatur to destroy the ship. 

Decatur captured a Tripoli fishing sloop. Disguised as 
Maltese sailors the crew manned the small sloop. Most of 
them went below decks. Plenty of combustibles were put 
aboard. Then they started. As they approached the harbor 
a terrible storm arose and blew them out to sea. For five 
days and nights they were storm tossed. When the storm 
ceased they started back, accompanied by one of the Ameri- 
can warships. 

Approaching the harbor, the warship stood out to sea, 
while the sloop went on. A beautiful moon flooded the bay 
with light. A good breeze sent the little ship forward. 
Past the forts they slipped, across the harbor, close to the 
good ship "Philadelphia." 

They hailed an officer on her deck. "May we tie up 
to your stern? We lost our anchor and cable in the storm." 
"Yes," repHed the officer. A rope was sent to the frigate. 
Soon the little sloop was swinging from the stern of the big 
ship. 



STEPHEN DECATUR 117 

The full moon shed its beams on the decks. "What are 
those things?" said one of the pirates. "They are anchors 
and cables. They are Americans." 

At these words the American sailors swarmed on the deck, 
') into the small boats, and up the sides of the Philadelphia. 
The battle was on; the Tripolitans fought bravely, but our 
men forced them out of the ship. 

Tar was flushed on the rigging and over the deck. A 
double shotted gun was pointed down the hatchway to 
blow a hole in the bottom of the ship. The fire was started. 
Soon the good ship was in flames. 

Our sailors hastened back to their sloop, manned the 
oars, spread the sails, and started away. On shore all was 
confusion and noise. 

The forts fired, but the shots fell short. Fortune favored 
our sailors. The sloop moved on, on, on out of the harbor 
toward the warship, reaching it without the loss of a man. 

The "Philadelphia" was a mass of fire. Her guns ex- 
ploded and the gallant ship disappeared. 

For this brave work Decatur was made a post-captain. 
He was in many more engagements in the Mediterranean. 

In 181 2 war broke out with England. Decatur was 
given command of the frigate "United States." On October 
25, 181 2, the "United States" met the British ship "Mace- 
donia," commanded by Captain Caldwell. Decatur and 
Caldwell had been personal friends before the war. Each 
had boasted of the prowess of his ship and of his crew. Now 
they were to test their ability. 

The battle started. Broadside after broadside was fired. 
A heavy sea was rolling. Our men fired with speed and 



ii8 



HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 



accuracy. The British rephed with spirit, but less skill. 
The firing raged for seventeen minutes, when the English 
captain, badly beaten, hauled down his flag. Boarding the 
''United States," Caldwell offered his sword to Decatur. 
Decatur refused it saying, 'T cannot take the sword of a 
man who has so bravely defended his ship." 

Later he was to reap the reward of this courtesy. In a 
new ship, the "President," he sailed from New York harbor 
and was surrounded by British ships. After a gallant fight 
he had to haul down his colors and surrender. The British 
ofiicer refused his sword, using his ow^n words to Caldwell. 

After the war he was made one of the Commissioners 
of the Navy, making his home in Washington. 

In 1820 he fought a duel with Commodore Barron. He 
fell on the field, dying soon after being carried to his home. 

So died Decatur, after spending a lifetime in battles, 
subject to the dangers of the sea, passing unscathed through 
all, only to fall a victim to a false idea of honor, dying on the 
duelhng field. 




Tripoli Fishing Boat. 



OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

1785-1819 



'T^HE tiny state of Rhode Island sent one of its boys 
-*• to brave the ocean's storm. OHver Hazard Perry, 
the son of a naval captain, lived to make America respected 
on the waters of our- great inland seas. His parents wished 
him to study law, but the call of the sea was too strong. 
At fourteen he entered the navy, a midshipman on his 
father's ship, the ''General Greene." 

At seventeen Perry was made an acting lieutenant. 
His ship was ordered to the Mediterranean to watch the 
Barbary pirates. Before actual fighting began he was 
ordered to return home. The following year he returned to 
the Mediterranean where he distinguished himself. 

When twenty-four years old he was given command of 
the ''Revenge," a small schooner carrying fourteen guns. 
Three years later the War of 1812 began. In this w^ar Perry 
became renowned. He was taken from sea service and sent 
to Lake Erie. 

An English squadron of six ships held the lake. The 
American Army had been defeated in Canada. All eyes were 
turned on the lake. Were the English or the Americans to 
control it? It was indeed a serious task laid out for Perry. 
No American ships were on the lake. Ships had to be built, 

119 



OLIVER HAZARD PERRY I2i 

launched, manned, and provisioned. All material had to 
be brought from the sea coast. 

With characteristic energy he started work. Day after 
day they toiled, the English ships lying off the harbor wait- 
ing for them. Near the entrance to the harbor was a bar. 
At this place the water was shoal and it seemed as if the new 
boats could never leave the harbor after they were launched. 
One day the boats slid down the ways into the water. All 
the men worked like beavers. The English captain thought 
they could not cross the bar. He sailed with his ships 
across the lake to attend a dinner. 

While they were gone the Americans, by using the utmost 
skill and hard work, forced the vessels out into the open 
lake. The return of the English found them waiting and 
ready. 

The battle began. Perry in his flagship, the "Lawrence,'* 
engaged the English flagship. This ship was larger and 
carried more guns. Broadside after broadside was poured 
into the "Lawrence." Soon riddled with shot, its guns 
useless, Perry's ship could no longer be steered. It was but 
a hulk. Perry left the sinking ship in a small boat still 
flying his banner bearing Captain Lawrence's famous words, 
"Don't give up the ship." 

Through a torrent of shot the small boat plied its way. 
Reaching the "Niagara," he hoisted his pennant. The battle 
raged on. Superior gunnery and seamenship finally won. 
The English ships hauled down their colors. Perry had 
won a great victory. American valor had regained control 
of Lake Erie. His famous message to Congress still rings 
in our ears, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." 



STEPHEN GIRARD 

1750-1831 



A SEA captain, living in Bordeaux, France, had a little 
'^^- boy named Stephen. As Stephen was the oldest son 
he had to stay at home to help his father. His brothers 
and sisters were sent to school, some of them going to 
college. This made him feel that he was not given a fair 
chance. 

When he was eight years old he learned that he was 
blind in one eye. This blindness made him look queer. 
Children made fun of him. He became sensitive and tried 
to stay alone. 

Stephen loved the sea. When he was just thirteen years 
old he secured a job as a cabin boy. For nine years he sailed 
from his home town all over the world. On these vo}'ages he 
studied whenever he had leisure. He wanted to be a captain. 
Starting as cabin boy, he rose gradually until he was in full 
command of a merchant vessel. He made many voyages to 
the West Indies and to New York. 

In 1775 his vessel was caught in a heavy fog. Girard 
lost his bearings. The fog lifted and an American ship 
nearby answered his signal, "What place is this?" ''Dela- 
ware Bay," answered the American. Girard was bound for 
New York. ''You'd better come in," said the American. 



STEPHEN GIRARl) 1 23 

^^The Colonies are at war with Great Britain and English 
war ships are all around." 

Girard at once entered the bay, sailing up to Philadel- 
phia. He sold his ship and opened a small store on Water 
Street, where he sold wine and cider. 

His business grew larger. Girard was a man of tireless 
energy. He worked hard all day and late into the night. 
At this time he still could barely speak English. His rough, 
gruff ways made neighbors afraid of him. Yet everything 
he touched seemed to turn into money. 

His short, stout, brisk figure became a familiar sight on 
the streets of the city. His clothes were old fashioned and 
shabby. His hair was braided into a pigtail and hung down 
his back. He wore a wide brimmed hat and a narrow skirted 
coat. When driving he rode in a plain, uncomfortable gig, 
drawn by an old and ugly horse. He seldom bought new 
clothes and yet he was the richest man in Pennsylvania. 

Business was good. Girard enlarged his store. He 
bought and sold anything that would yield profit, from junk 
to ships. 

The English captured Philadelphia. Girard fled mth 
his wife to New Jersey, where he bottled claret, selHng it 
to the British in Philadelphia at a good price. 

Some time after this his wife became insane. She was 
placed in the Pennsylvania Hospital, where she died. 

Girard's business continued to increase. He bought a 
ship. After a successful voyage he used the profits 'to 
buy another ship. He continued this plan until he had the 
largest fleet in the United States. 

The greatest part of his fortune, however, was made 




Bradford Photo 



Stephen Girard. 



From portrait. 



STEPHEN GIRARD 125 

during the War ot 181 2. This war almost destroyed Ameri- 
can commerce. Still, one successful trip paid the losses of 
many failures and left a profit. Girard was extremely 
fortunate. He lost few ships. One of his ships was captured 
just as it was entering the Delaware. The Enghsh captain, 
fearing that the Americans would recapture his prize, sent 
a boat with a flag of truce to Girard, offering to let him pay 
a ransom for the boat. Girard agreed, paid the money, and 
the ship was set free. He made over half a million dollars 
from the sale of its cargo. 

In 181 1 Congress refused to recharter the United States 
Bank. It was offered for sale. Girard bought it. After 
changing its name to Girard Bank he continued the business. 

One of his first acts in managing the new bank was to 
reduce the wages of his employees. They now received just 
what other bank clerks did He also refused to give the 
watchman his usual Christmas present. 

Girard was honest. Throughout the hard times of the 
War of 181 2 the notes of his bank stayed at face value. 
When other banks had to contract their business, he 
expanded. 

In 1 8 14 the national government issued bonds for 
$5,000,000. They were on sale for many weeks. Only 
$20,000 had been subscribed. The loan was failing. In 
this crisis Girard bought the rest of the issue, $4,980,000. 
This saved the credit of the country and provided money 
sorely needed for our soldiers and sailors„ 

Girard was never known to give any help to those who 
begged or to merchants who failed. Yet he was always ready 
to help in public improvements. 



126 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Despite his rough exterior, rude ways, and harsh meas- 
ures, he had strong sympathies and great courage. These 
quahties were shown vividly in 1793. In that year Phila- 
delphia was visited by a terrible epidemic of yellow fever. 
Half the terrified population hurried from the city. The 
streets were silent day and night. Lone walkers hurried 
past, holding disinfectants to their noses. Death wagons 
rumbled by. Three of the four newspapers stopped busi- 
ness. Churches were closed. The Great Coffee House and 
the Library shut their doors. All business was at a stand- 
still. Death stalked the streets. 

There were not enough doctors to take care of the sick. 
Nurses could not be found. The hospital at Bush Hill was 
in a terrible condition. It had not been cleaned and could 
not be used. A call was sent out for volunteers to help stop 
the epidemic. Twenty-four citizens volunteered, but only 
twelve had the courage to attend the meetings. Stephen 
Girard was one of the twelve. 

The doctors told of Bush Hill Hospital. Stephen Girard 
and Peter Helm volunteered to take charge of everything 
concerning it. Girard took charge of all the work inside 
the hospital. Peter Helm looked after the work outside. 

Girard spent his money freely and gave all his time and 
energy. He had the hospital cleaned and in working con- 
dition in two days. The sick could now be brought there.. 
He attended to the living and buried the dead. 

In his carriage he went to the homes of the sick and 
brought them to the hospital. No one would help him. He 
had to carry the sick in his arms. Even the carriage driver 
turned his head away as Girard struggled toward the car- 



STEPHEN GIRARD 127 

riage with his sick burden. He was tireless. He worked 
until the epidemic passed, then quietly returned to his busi- 
ness. 

Two years before his death he prepared his will. He 
had frequently said that "no man would ever be a gentle- 
man on my money." His lawyer studied orphan asylums 
in England and in America. Girard planned a home for 
orphan boys. In this home the boys were to be kept, 
fed, and educated to take an active part in the life of the 
world. 

For three weeks the lawyer worked writing his will. 
Girard wanted to be sure that no one could break his will 
after he died. 

At his death in 1831 the will was read. He left a few 
thousand dollars to his relatives and employees. The great 
bulk of his fortune of over $10,000,000 was left to help the 
public. 

He left money to the Pennsylvania Hospital, to the 
asylum for the deaf and dumb, to the Lancaster Pubhc 
Schools, to buy fuel for the poor of Philadelphia, to help 
sea captains and their widows, for public improvements in 
Philadelphia, including money to be spent in certain schools 
in the city, and to build a free public school in Passyunk. 
(This school is still in use; it is called the Stephen Girard 
School, and is at i8th and Snyder Avenue.) 

The balance of his estate, about $6,000,000, was to be 
used to endow a home for boys. 

When this will was read at his funeral his relatives were 
angry. They employed law3Trs. They tried to have the 
will set aside. They tried again and again, but always failed. 



128 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Girard had taken pains to see that his money should be 
used to build his college. 

Girard College was opened. It has beds for over 1500 
boys. These boys are cared for until they are eighteen years 
old. Then they are graduated ready to do their work. The 
College is a monument to the industry and charity of its 
founder, Stephen Girard. 



DANIEL BOONE 

1735-1820 



T^ANIEL BOONE was just such another back-woods boy 
^^ as George Rogers Clark. Daniel was born in a log 
cabin on the frontier of Pennsylvania. At that time 
the frontiers of Pennsylvania were on the eastern side 
of the Appalachian Mountains. Daniel spent his young 
life in the wilderness. His daily toys were guns, knives, 
stones, and plants. When ten years old he hunted small 
animals, like squirrels, killing them with a knob-rooted 
stick which he hurled at them. His father gave him his 
first rifle when he was twelve years old and he soon became 
a good shot. It was now his task to provide game for the 
family tabid 

There were no schools near his home, but his mother 
taught him to read and write. Later in his life Boone 
studied surveying. He also learned blacksmithing and 
weaving. At thirteen he began a custom which he fol- 
lowed the rest of his life. He spent every winter hunting. 
This habit gave him wide acquaintance with wilderness life 
and made him an expert backwoodsman. It also brought 
him in contact with the Indians and enabled him to study 
their customs and habits. 

When fifteen years old his family moved to South Caro- 
lina. This journey of five hundred miles was made over- 

9 "9 



I30 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

land in wagons. A great part of their way was along un- 
traveled roads. The family had to live by hunting. It 
took them over a year to make the journey. They stopped 
frequently on the way to camp out and rest themselves and 
their horses. They settled in South Carolina on wild land. 
Trees had to be cut down, roots pulled out of the ground, 
houses built, and the fields ploughed and planted before 
they could rest. 

Throughout this time various Indian troubles arose. 
England and France for many years had been at war with 
each other. The final struggle was approaching. West of 
the Appalachian Mountains the French forces had descended 
the Ohio River and planted forts. You have learned how 
Washington was sent by Governor Dinwiddle to warn them to 
leave the valley, and how later General Braddock came from 
England to lead a force against the French. Daniel Boone 
was a member of Braddock's expedition. Daniel joined 
the expedition to fight, but his skill as a blacksmith kept 
him out of the struggles. He brought up the rear with the 
wagons, and in the inglorious retreat following Braddock's 
disaster he drove a wagon back through Virginia. While 
a member of Braddock's expedition he met a man named 
Finley who told him of the wonders of hunting in Kentucky. 
They planned to go there after the war was over. 

Indian attacks became more frequent and rumors of a 
rising of the Indians in the southwest began to drift into the 
settlement. Boone was in many of these conflicts taking 
an active part in the defense of the village. 

After peace was declared he again spent his winters 
hunting and exploring. He noticed that the wild animals 




Daniel Boone. 



From the 'Century 
Magazine," 1885. 



132 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

were continually going westward. He decided to follow 
them. A few friends joined him and they started out, but 
winter overtook them and they were compelled to return. 
Finley visited him at his home and spent the winter with 
him. Many were the tales told around the fire those winter 
nights, tales of wild life in Kentucky, tales of abundance 
of game and wonderful adventures. The listeners were 
thrilled and a number agreed to go when spring came. 

On May Day, 1769, five of them started on horseback, 
each leading a pack horse. Their pathway led through the 
Cumberland Gap and thence through the wilderness to 
Kentucky. 

They spent the next winter hunting and trapping. Fur- 
bearing animals were plentiful and they soon had enough 
to load their horses. They started home. A band of 
Indians met them, captured them, took away all of their 
booty, and then let them go, telling them never to return or. 
they would kill them. 

Daniel Boone, however, was not the kind of man to give 
up so easily. He led his party back into the wilderness and 
they spent another winter in Kentucky shooting and trap- 
ping wild animals. Again they started home, their pack 
horses laden. Another band of Indians met them, captured 
them, and took their booty. Boone and his brother-in-law 
were taken to an Indian village. Daniel Boone made the 
Indians like him. They gave him more liberty. One dark 
night he awakened his brother-in-law, stole to the horses, and 
galloped off. They overtook their friends just as they had 
met the relief party and were going home. 

Boone, however, decided to stay in Kentucky. Three 



DANIEL BOONE 133 

of the party stayed with him, the rest went home. When 
their pack horses were laden, Boone's companions decided 
to go home, but Daniel made up his mind to stay in Kentucky 
until they came back. 

Boone spent one year alone in the wilds of Kentucky 
exploring and getting his hunting materials ready for the 
next winter. His idea was to find a place that he could 
clear and bring his family to settle. 

One night on his return from wandering through the 
wilderness he found that the Indians had visited his camp. 
He was afraid to stay, fearing a trap. So he spent several 
nights in the bushes. One day a hostile band of Indians 
surprised him near the river. The banks at that place w^re 
60 feet above the surface of the water, but Boone did not 
hesitate. Rushing to the river, he grabbed an overhanging 
branch. Swinging far out, he let go, slipped into the water 
beneath, and swam to the other shore. 

Boone's brother returned in July and they spent the sum- 
mer and fall hunting. When cold weather came they started 
home, reaching the Cumberland Gap in safety. At that 
point a marauding band of Indians robbed them of all their 
months' work and sent them off. Daniel had had enough 
of Indians for awhile, so he went home, poorer than when he 
started out. 

He stayed at home a couple of years, planning to lead a 
party back to make a settlement. The party was formed. 
It reached Cumberland Gap, when rumors of Indian attacks 
made them camp there until spring. 

Meanwhile a company was formed to buy Kentucky 
from the Indians and to establish a new colony. The In- 



134 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

dians sold their land to the company and arrangements 
were made at once to send settlers to the new country. 
There was no way through the wilderness. The company 
decided to build a road. Daniel Boone was the only man 
who knew the way thoroughly. So he was employed to 
break a road through the wilderness. 

On the loth of March, 1775, he started out. They 
passed through Cumberland Gap, and crossed the river just 
south of the present boundaries of Virginia and Tennessee. 
This part of the journey was easy. All they had to do was 
to choose the path, mark the trees, and cut the underbrush 
until they reached Rock Castle River. Crossing the river, 
they plunged into the forest. 

For twenty long miles they had to cut and hew the way. 
Think of cutting a road 12 feet wide through the forest! 
Day after day the little band of hardy men chopped a way 
forward. At last they were out of the forests. But dense 
cane breaks lay before them. Again hatchets had to be 
used. For several more miles they chopped their way 
through. This was the last of their difhculties. The great 
blue grass region lay before them. 

A sound like thunder was heard. The little party 
climbed a small hillock. As far as the eye could see they 
beheld buffalo after buffalo coming toward the salt fields 
near the river. It was the first herd of buffalo they had 
ever seen. 

This wilderness road was 200 miles long. At its end 
the settlement of Boonesboro grew up. Boone brought 
his family. More settlers arrived. The settlement be- 
came prosperous. Cabins were built, a strong fort made, 



DANIEL BOONE 135 

and a palisade fence constructed. The settlement was at- 
tacked repeatedly by the Indians. 

One day Boone and a party of ten went out to the salt 
licks to make salt. Boone was scouting and hunting. He 
was pursued by four Indians and captured. He learned 
that they were planning to go to Boonesboro. Fearing for 
the safety of the village, he led the Indians to the salt 
makers and so diverted their attention from Boonesboro. 

The salt makers surrendered, and the Indians, satisfied 
with their captives, marched to their camp. It was in the 
midst of whiter and the cold was severe. Food was scarce, 
but the Indians shared what they had with their captives. 
Boone made a fine impression and the tribe decided to adopt 
him. 

The captive was prepared for adoption. His hair was 
pulled out until nothing was left but the scalp lock. He 
was then washed in the river several times to remove his 
white blood. His face was painted. The chief told him of 
the high honors that were being paid to him and what he 
must do as an Indian brave. Then there was a great 
feast. 

Daniel Boone pretended to like the adoption. He took 
an active part in all of the Indian games. At last he was 
permitted to hunt, but his bullets were counted. On his 
return from a hunt he had to show an animal for each bullet 
that he had used, but Boone was cunning. He cut his 
bullets into halves. With the half bullets he shot his game 
and hid the parts he had saved. 

One day Boone was sent with a party of Indians to make 
salt. They were gone ten days. When they returned he 



136 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

found a number of Indians had come into the village and 
that plans were on foot to attack Boonesboro. 

That night Boone rose stealthily from his couch, stole 
to his hiding place in the woods, took up his powder and 
shot, and hurried on. He must reach the Ohio River before 
morning. He knew the Indians would be in hot pursuit 
and that nothing but death would await his recapture. He 
reached the Ohio, found a broken Indian canoe, repaired it, 
and crossed to the other side. Still he did not dare to fire 
a gun as Indians were all around him. He went several 
days without food. On the fourth day he killed a buffalo 
and then pushed on to Boonesboro. 

The Indians did not come at once. Boone, at the head 
of 30 men, started out to find them. They went 1 50 miles 
into the wilderness. Finding the savages approaching, they 
returned. The Indians attacked the fort and besieged it 
for twelve days. Knowing how well Boone and his men 
could shoot, the Indians were afraid to make a direct 
charge. Starting near the river they dug a tunnel, but 
the river water burst into their trench and discouraged 
them. They gave up the attack and returned home. 
Boonesboro was never again attacked by the Indians. 

Kentucky now developed rapidly. The wilderness road 
was improved so that wagons could travel on it. When 
sixty-three years old Boone left Kentucky and started for 
Missouri, saying, 'Tt is crowded here. I want more elbow 
room.'' 

Missouri was then a Spanish possession. At St. Louis 
he was given a tract of land by the people and made a magis- 
trate. When Louisiana was purchased from France, Boone 



DANIEL BOONE 



137 



lost his office and had his land taken away from him. He 
was then seventy-five years old. 

He returned to Kentucky and paid all of his debts. 
Congress was petitioned to return his lands. After some 
delay his land in Missouri was returned in recognition of his 
services in Kentucky. 

After his wife's death in 18 13 he spent his time visiting 
among his children. He continued hunting up to the day 
of his death in 1820. He was buried beside his wife. In 
1845 th^y were exhumed and reburied in Frankfort, Ken- 
tucky. A grateful people erected a fine monument to his 
memory. 



LEW^IS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 

1804-1805 



TDEFORE 1800 the great lands west of the Mississippi 
-*-*^ River belonged to Spain. In the story of Thomas 
Jefferson you learned that this great tract was purchased 
by the United States in 1803. 

Louisiana extended from the Mississippi River west- 
ward to the Rocky Mountains and from Texas on the south 
to the Great Lakes on the north. 

Very little was known about this land. It is true that 
traders and hunters had gone for some distance into the 
unknown parts, but the greater portion had never been 
visited hJy white men. 

West of the Rockies, toward the north, lay the great 
Oregon Country. Captain Cook had discovered the mouth 
of the Columbia River in 1792. English traders were pene- 
trating this section. The United States must do something 
to make its claim to Oregon stronger. 

For some time President Thomas Jefferson had wished 
to find out more about the lands west of the Mississippi. 
He urged Congress to provide money for such an exploring 
trip. 'Tt won't cost much," said he. 'The men can live 
on the country, and as they will be army men there will be 
no extra cost for salaries." 

138 




139 



I40 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

After much urging Congress made a small appropriation. 
Jefferson had long ago decided on the leader. 

Captain Meriwether Lewis was a skilled officer. He 
was born in Virginia. From boyhood he was interested 
in the woods. He studied about plants and animals. 
He was now Jefferson's private secretary. Jefferson chose 
him to lead the expedition. 

Captain Lewis did not wish to carry the responsibility 
alone. His friend, Captain William Clark, brother of George 
Rogers Clark, was an expert backwoodsman and a skilled 
mihtary officer. Lewis asked him to go with him as second 
in command. 

The expedition was ready to start, but suppHes were 
scarce. This caused so much delay that they were com- 
pelled to go into winter-quarters on- the eastern bank of the 
Mississippi opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. 

Meanwhile our government had purchased Louisiana from 
the French. Now the expedition was to explore our own land. 

Why was this exploring trip planned? It had many 
purposes: (i) The explorers were to make careful observa- 
tions, so that a map of the new country could be made. 
(2) They were to make a record of the natural resources of 
the country, that is, they were to examine the soil to see if 
it would make good farmland, to look for minerals like coal, 
gold, silver, etc. (3) They were to make friends with the 
Indians and study their manners and customs. 

What did they have to help them in this perilous trip? 
A boat 55 feet long, drawing 3 feet of water. It had a sail 
and twenty-two oars. There was a cabin and a forecastle. 
In the centre was a breastwork to protect them from Indian 



LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 141 

attacks. In addition, there were two open boats propelled 
by oars. 

The party consisted of Lewis and Clark, about twenty 
soldiers, eight or nine Kentucky riflemen, and a husky negro 
servant. This was a small party indeed to start out on 
such a long and dangerous voyage. All of them, however, 
were strong, courageous people, used to hardship and travel 
through the wilderness. 

During the first winter Captain Clark looked after 
building the boats, while Lewis bought the supplies, and 
sought for information about the route to be followed. 

On May 14, 1804, they broke camp, pushed out on the 
broad waters of the Mississippi, and crossed to the rapid, 
muddy waters of the roaring Missouri. 

Their progress up the river was slow. In many places 
the current was too strong for rowing. Men had to land 
and haul on towing ropes while those aboard pushed with 
long poles against the bottom of the river. Many a narrow 
escape was made as the banks, undermined by the rushing 
waters, suddenly caved in. 

The party was divided, one landed and went afoot or 
on horseback, while the others stayed in the boats. 

The land party hunted and explored. Often they were 
miles from the river and had great trouble in finding the 
boat party. Captain Lewis was usually in charge of those 
on land. He made many notes about the country and 
collected material to send back. 

On May 25th they passed the home of Daniel Boone, 
then still hale and hearty. This was the last white settle- 
ment on the river. 



142 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

On they went, breasting the rapid current, ever struggling 
to the Rockies. Many a time they narrowly escaped des- 
truction. The land party also had many difficulties to 
overcome. Two of the worst were the low thorn bushes 
and the prickly pears. These tore their clothing and flesh, 
making walking painful and hard. They suffered intensely 
from mosquitoes and ticks. Snake bites were numerous 
and many had sunstroke. 

Game abounded everywhere, so the party was well 
fed. 

One night the water party camped on a sand bar in the 
river. In the middle of the night the guard noticed that 
the bar was slipping into the water. There was barely 
time to awaken the others and climb into the boats before 
the whole bar was gone and the river rushing over the 
place where it had been. 

Strange as it may seem, with all their toil, hardships, and 
privations, but one of the party died on the whole trip. 

The expedition was now approaching the end of the 
known part of the journey. Soon they were to traverse 
land and water never before seen by a white man. 

The Indians were usually friendly. Both Lewis and 
Clark were skilful in handling them. So great was their 
success with them that they met with no opposition at all 
on their return journey over the same route. 

There was but one unpleasant happening with the 
Indians. At one point an Indian brave stole a hunter's 
horse. Clark demanded that the horse be returned at 
once. This was done. Then a council was held. Every- 
thing went smoothly until it was time to leave. As the 



LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 143 

men prepared to embark some of the young Indians seized 
the boat's rope. Clark ordered his men to take their arms. 
They thrust the Indians away, jumped to the boats, and 
prepared to attack. This show of fearlessness made the 
Indians afraid. The pipe of peace was smoked and the 
trouble all over. 

Winter was now approaching. They planned to spend 
the winter with the Mandan Indians, a friendly tribe, 
farther up the river. They pushed on, reaching the place. 
Log huts and a palisade fence were built. They had 
traveled 1600 miles from the mouth of the Missouri in 
173 days, an average of 9 miles a day. 

They named their camp Fort Mandan. Here they 
spent five months, busy all the time making preparations 
for their start in the early spring. Many white trappers 
and hunters visited them that winter. Most of them were 
English or French. 

These men were not friendly to the expedition. They 
told the Indians that these new white men were the first of 
great crowds of settlers who would come and take their 
lands from them for farms. Lewis and Clark were worried 
over these tales. For a time it looked as if the Indians 
would believe the stories. Then they would attack the 
fort and massacre the men. But Lewis and Clark won out. 
''We are your friends," said they. "We are here to become 
acquainted. Later we shall send you traders who will 
treat you better and pay you more than these traders do." 
Their skill in doctoring the sick Indians helped them also. 

During the winter the temperature was often 20 degrees 
below zero. Nevertheless, Lewis traveled around the coun- 



144 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

try learning the language of the Indians and preparing ma- 
terials for the map. Clark worked in the camp, providing 
food and firewood. 

Captain Lewis needed an interpreter, someone who could 
talk to the western Indians in their own language. A French 
hunter living neart Fort Mandan had a young Indian wife 
who had been taken from her family in the far west when she 
was a Httle girl. Lewis persuaded this hunter to go and take 
his wife along. Her name was ^'Sacajawea," and, although 
she had a httle boy only two months old to take along, 
she made the entire trip and was of great help to the expe- 
dition. 

On April yth a canoe was sent back to St. Louis. It 
contained two men who had tried to desert, nine cages of 
living animals and birds, several boxes of rocks, soil, dried 
plants, stuffed animals, Indian clothes, utensils, weapons 
and ornaments, and a description of their journey. 

On the same day the party broke camp and started up 
the river. As they went on the current became stronger, 
making their progress more difficult. April 26th they 
reached the mouth of the Yellowstone River. Beyond this 
was the great unknown land. 

Many adventures befell them. Once when Captain 
Lewis was hunting alone he had just shot a buffalo. Hear- 
ing a loud growl, he turned. There just behind him was a 
large bear. The nearest tree was 300 yards away. Lewis 
tried to reach it, but had to give it up. He rushed for the 
river, the bear close at his heels. In he plunged. For- 
tunately, the grizzly decided to stay on land and Lewis 
escaped. 



LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 145 

The boat company struggled on. Their task was still 
more difficult. Men stood on each side of the boat 
pushing on long poles, while on the shore another group 
with a towing rope over their shoidders tugged and 
strained. 

June 3d they reached the forks of the river. Which 
way should they go? They had no map, and no one knew 
the route. Lewis ascended a mountain. Clark explored 
along the banks. Finally they chose the south fork. They 
w^ere right. This branch led them toward the source. 

At this point they hid the big boat. The stream was no 
longer deep enough to float it. They buried many of their 
supplies, leaving them to await their return. They em- 
barked in the canoes and went on. Soon they were at the 
great falls of the Missouri. Abandoning their boats, they 
traveled overland for 18 miles until the falls and rapids 
were passed. 

Only waiting to build a new dug out, they embarked. 
July 25th they w^ere again puzzled. At this point the stream 
divided into three smaller ones. Clark pushed on, following 
the southwest branch, and leaving a note for Lewis. Sickness 
forced them to return to the forks. Lewis met them. Five 
days were spent deciding on the course. Taking the south- 
west branch, they went on. 

Somewhere near this point they expected to find some 
Snake or Shoshone Indians to guide them across the moim- 
tains. 

The Indian girl, Sacajawea, knew this region, as years 
ago she had lived there. She had been captured by an 
enemy tribe and taken far away. The expedition depended 



146 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

on her to act. as interpreter, and to secure the friendship 
of the Indians. 

They were nearing the source of the river. Lofty 
mountains raised their heads close to the river's brink. 
The current ran faster. There were many shallow places. 
Across these the men had to drag the canoes. In these 
high altitudes game was scarce, and the meat supply began 
to give out. 

Lewis pushed on afoot. He was anxious to meet some 
Indians to inquire the way. Prickly pears and thorns made 
traveling hard. That night Lewis outwalked his party, spend- 
ing the night alone. The next morning his men found him. 

August 4th the boat party reached another fork. Clark 
decided to go on, leaving a note for Lewis. Unfortunately, 
he tied the note to a green pole. A beaver cut the pole, 
dragging it off, note and all. This route was too difficult. 
Clark returned, to find Lewis waiting for him. 

They chose the middle fork. The mountains were now 
snowcapped. On the eleventh day the long-looked for In- 
dian was found. He was timid and hurried away. The next 
day Lewis reached the source of the Missouri. It was an 
ice-cold spring, bursting from the mountain side. 

Pressing on, Lewis crossed the divide and found the 
source of a tributary of the Columbia River. Here he met 
some Indians who took him to their camp. They agreed 
to furnish horses. Lewis led the way back to meet Clark. 
When they reached the Missouri, Clark had not yet arrived. 

His absence alarmed the Indians. They thought Lewis 
had been lying. He had great trouble to keep them with 
him. Fortunatelv, Clark arrived and saved the day. Their 



LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 147 

Indian squaw recognized the Indian chief as her long lost 
brother. There was an affecting scene and the friendship 
of these Indians was assured. 

Leaving their boats they crossed the divide. The stream 
discovered by Lewis was too small. They started off over 
Indian trails to find a broad river that the Indians told 
about. The trail wound along the edges of precipices, down 
steep mountain sides, and through rushing mountain streams. 
The horses stumbled and fell. Some of them had to be 
killed for food. A blinding snow storm swept the path. 
Fallen timber added to the hardships of the road. 

As they descended from the mountains the heat became 
intense. When the plains were reached the men were ex- 
hausted. A few days' rest, then on again. New canoes 
were built. Their remaining horses were branded and left 
with a friendly Indian to keep until their return. 

Game was still scarce. They hved on roots, a few fish, 
and dog meat bought from the Indians. Some of the 
Indians were hostile. All were treacherous and great thieves. 
It was necessary, however, to make them friendly, for they 
must return over this route. 

November ist they reached tide water. The river was 
5 to 7 miles wide. On November 7th they heard breakers. 
''Great joy in camp," wrote Lewis, ''we are in view of the 
ocean." The river was rough, the little canoes tossed and 
pitched. The shores were steep and rocky. It began to 
rain. The storm lasted ten days. 

They encamped on the rocky shores. Everything was 
soaked, clothing, bedding, and the travelers. For six days 
they were weather bound. The storm ceased and the Httle 





1^^^' 










^H ^ 





O <U 



LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 149 

party pushed off once more. They rounded a high point, and 
the broad Pacific rolled before their delighted eyes. They 
had succeeded. Through many toils and dangers they had 
blazed the first trail across the continent. 

They spent the winter on the coast, resting and preparing 
for the return the next spring. The remains of their huts 
and palisades were visible sixty years later. 

Lewis and Clark spent the winter writing their journals, 
studying the Indians, and securing specimens to take home. 
The men tanned skins for clothing, split wood, hunted, and 
fished. A number of them spent two months making 20 
gallons of salt from the sea water. 

Food was scarce and their tobacco gave out. All were 
anxious for spring to return. On March 23d, with snow 
on the ground, they broke camp and started for home. 

After six months of toil, exposure, and hardships they 
reached St. Louis. The entire settlement turned out to 
greet them. Long ago they had been given up for dead. 
Ovations and banquets were prepared. Here they posted 
their letters and materials to Jefferson, and the little com- 
pany of men, disbanding, left for their several homes. One 
of the most wonderful exploring trips in history was ended. 
For one year, four months, and nine days the little band of 
men had toiled and suffered and at last conquered. 

This wonderful expedition prepared the way for settle- 
ment and gave us a stronger claim on the great Oregon 
Country west of the Rocky Mountains. It also told the 
people that this new Louisiana land was very large and very 
rich in natural resources. It proved that the United States 
had obtained a valuable addition to its territory. 



DAVID CROCKETT 

1786-1836 



OF the many quaint and picturesque characters ae- 
veloped in our early history none was better known 
or more beloved than David Crockett. He was a Tennes- 
see lad who spent almost his entire life on the frontier. 

When David was ten years old his father, who kept an 
inn, hired him to a drover. David helped drive the cattle 
for over loo miles. When the cattle were sold his master 
made him stay with him. They pushed onward until David 
was 400 miles from home. 

One day David recognized a wagon from his home town 
and its driver. ^'When are you going home?" asked David. 
^'Tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall start," was the answer. 
David planned to run away from the drover. That night 
he went early to bed. He couldn't sleep, and at midnight he 
stole out of the house. It was bitter cold. The wind blew 
a gale, snow was falling, but he pushed on, his teeth set. 
He meant to travel those seven miles through the snow to 
the tavern. He must go home. Tired and weary, but still 
filled with courage, he reached the tavern. Already they 
were at breakfast almost ready to start. There was no time 
to rest. Hastily eating breakfast, he climbed to a wagon 
seat to start on his 400-mile drive home. 

150 



DAVID CROCKETT 151 

You can picture how glad he was to rush into his mother's 
arms, and how glad she was to see him. 

Up to this time David had never been at school. He 
didn't know his letters. His father entered him in a nearby 
school. After four days' attendance he whipped a boy 
larger than himself. He was afraid to go back, thinking the 
teacher would thrash him. So he played truant. David's 
father then took him to school, following him with a hickory 
rod. Near the school David made a dash into the bushes 
and hid. What should he do? 

If he went to school the teacher would thrash him, if 
he went home his father would. While hesitating, a drover 
passed by, so he asked for and obtained a job. Many miles 
from home his brother met him and asked him to go home. 
He was still afraid. He wandered around, even reaching 
Baltimore. At Baltimore he planned to go to sea, but his 
employer stopped him. 

A great longing to go home overpowered him. David 
began to save his money. At last he started. His way for 
many miles lay through the woods. It was full of danger. 
Still he plodded on, afraid of the whipping, but going bravely 
homeward. 

The village was reached. The old tavern was in the 
distance. Tears of joy blinded him. David reached home 
just as dinner was served. Quietly stepping in he took a 
place at the table. His sister saw him and the simple dinner 
was turned into a feast of joy. 

Crockett was now fifteen years old and unable to read 
or write. Business was dull at home. His father was in 
debt. David agreed to work to pay off the debt. He worked 



152 HEROES OF NATION/VL HISTORY 

for a Quaker whose son was a teacher. Four days a week, 
for six months, he attended school. During this short time 
he learned to read, write, and to do arithmetic. This was 
all of his schooling. 

When twenty years old Crockett married and moved 
farther toward the frontier. The Creek Indian War started. 
Crockett enlisted at once. He did scout duty through the 
war, going far into the Indian lands for information. These 
expeditions led to his acquaintance with General Andrew 
Jackson. He was made a colonel. 

At the close of the war Colonel Crockett was elected to 
the state legislature. 

Like Daniel Boone, he could not live where there were 
too many people. He moved again toward the frontier of 
Tennessee. His home was a log cabin, warm and snug, 
but with none of those things that we call comfort. 

Winter came soon after his hut was built. His brother- 
in-law had promised to bring him a keg of powder from the 
settlements. David's supply was very low. The powder was 
at his brother's house, six miles away. Between them was 
the river. It had risen and flooded the lands. The only 
way over the river and across the marshes was by a series 
of log bridges. He had no boat. He must either go or not 
eat. 

Early in the morning he started. In his pack he carried 
a dry suit of clothes to put on when he reached the other 
side of the river. There was snow on the ground. Without 
hesitating he stepped into the icy waters and started across. 
He reached the island in safety. 

On the other side of this island was the first log bridge. 



DAVID CROCKETT 153 

This he crossed easily, bringing him to the marsh. Here 
the log bridge was three feet under water. Cutting a sapling 
he reached it across until it stood near the tree at the op- 
posite end of the log. With this as his guide he waded over. 

Beyond was still another slough. Here the log bridge 
was floating. Fastening his dry clothes to his gun and 
holding it high over his head, David started across. Just 
as he reached the middle of the log it rolled. He was thrown 
into deep water. He had to swim for a few minutes, still 
holding his clothing and gun clear from the water, until 
he reached the shallow water. 

Almost frozen, he walked ashore, donned his dry clothing, 
and started off. He tried to run, but was too numb with 
cold. He persisted, however, until he reached his brother's 
cabin. 

Crockett stayed a couple of days resting. Then he 
started home with the keg of powder on his back. It had 
grown steadily colder. The river had a half inch of ice on 
it. A few days wait and he could walk across. But days 
were precious. He knew that there was no food at home. 
He must get home. 

Crockett stepped on the ice, it broke, and he started 
wading toward the stronger ice, cutting his way with his 
tomahawk. This ice also broke. At last he reached the 
slough. This was frozen strong enough to bear him. He 
crossed to the island. Here the current was too strong to 
permit freezing. He placed his gun against a tree, took his 
precious keg of powder in his arms, and crossed over the 
sunken log. Then he returned for his gun and recrossed the 
log. 



154 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Wet from head to foot and half frozen he waded on. 
Footprints, broken through the ice, looked like a bear trail. 
He started to follow it. The tracks led to his own home. 
They had been made by a young man who had gone out to 
look for him. 

That night it rained hard. The next morning everything 
was covered with ice. 

In spite of his weariness David started hunting for game. 
The underbrush, covered with ice, tore at his clothing, but 
he went on. The dogs smelled a bear. David Crockett was 
the greatest bear hunter of the state. He couldn't resist. 
So he followed his dogs, at last shooting one of the largest 
bears he had ever seen. 

Some time after this he was elected to the national 
Congress. He served several terms. During his life as a 
Congressman he visited Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. 
He was known all over the country for his ''queer" way of 
living and talking, and for his great honesty. Wherever he 
went crowds gathered to see him and to meet him. He was 
showered with honors, gifts, and attentions. 

General Andrew Jackson, who was then President, be- 
came angry with Crockett and prevented his re-election to 
Congress. Crockett was fifty years old. He decided to 
leave Tennessee and go to that part of Mexico which is 
now our state of Texas. At that time less than 40,000 
white people lived there. 

While David Crockett travels to Texas suppose we read 
a little about this great, new country to which he was going. 

It was part of Mexico, and that country had asked for 
settlers. In 1833 Americans had crossed the border and 



DAVID CROCKETT 155 

made settlement in this land. Mexico was the scene of 
many revolutions and much cruelty. The Americans in 
Texas did not like the Mexican Government, and in 1836 
set up their own government. They made a Declaration of 
Independence and sent it to Mexico. Santa Anna was 
President of Mexico then. He was cruel and savage. With 
his army he set out to subdue the Texan revolt. 

This was the time when David Crockett chose to go to 
Texas. He arrived at San Antonio in 1836 just in time to 
help them stand siege. 

San Antonio was a small town about 75 miles west of 
Austin. It stood on the San Antonio River. The old town 
had three parts — San Antonio proper, the Alamo, and Chi- 
hahia. The Alamo was an old Spanish Mission or church. 
It had stout walls and made an excellent fort. There were 
1200 citizens in the town when Colonel Crockett arrived. 
Out in the Alamo was a garrison of 182 fighting men. Crock- 
ett at once went to the Alamo. He found them all fighters. 
They had plenty of ammunition and the fort. 

February 22, 1836, Santa Anna, at the head of 1000 
men, appeared before the fort. He demanded its surrender. 
The reply was a cannon shot. 

Santa Anna at once prepared to attack. Cannon were 
set up. The Mexicans were poor shots. 

The garrison sent a messenger to hasten help. No help 
came ! The water-supply was in danger. Happily they beat 
the Mexicans away from this side. Travis, their com- 
mander, said, 'T never intend to retreat or surrender. 
Victory or death." 

The Mexicans threw bombs into the fort, but these did 




Scouts in Indian Country. 



Wood engraving in 
'Harper's Magazine," 1885. 



DAVID CROCKETT 



157 



no damage. Their cannoniers, however, were becoming 
better marksmen. 

David Crockett, standing on the rampart, saw them 
place a new gun and aim it at the fort. He waited until the 
gunner was ready to fire it. Then he shot him. Men stood 
near him and passed him loaded rifles. In quick succession 
he killed four more who approached to fire the gun. That 
gun was silenced. 

For eleven days the siege continued ; 300 Mexicans were 
killed. Reinforcements reached them; 4000 Mexicans ad- 
vanced to the assault on Sunday, March 6, 1836, their 
bugles playing, with orders to give ''No quarter." 

Scaling ladders were brought by the Mexicans. When the 
ladders were full the defenders toppled them backward, hurl- 
ing the Mexicans to the ground. After two hours' fighting 
they forced an entrance to the fort. The garrison fought on. 

The unequal contest could not last much longer. Soon 
but six of the garrison were still alive. David Crockett and 
his five companions made their last stand in an angle of 
the fort. Dead Mexicans lay all around them. In one hand 
David held his bowie knife dripping blood, in the other the 
barrel of his rifle. His face was covered with blood from a 
gash in his forehead. 

Their brave stand against overwhelming odds appealed 
to two Mexican officers. They asked Santa Anna to spare 
them. ''No quarter,'' said Santa Anna. "Shoot them." 
Crockett rushed at him, but before he had taken two steps 
he fefl, riddled with shot. The other five were soon killed. 
So fell David Crockett. No wonder that the battle-cry of 
the Texans afterward was "Remember the Alamo!" 



IS8 



HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 



Santa Anna's cruelty and barbarism soon caused his 
defeat. All the Texans were aroused. Uniting, they de- 
feated him and forced Mexico to acknowledge their inde- 
pendence. In 1845 Texas was made a part of the United 
States. 

Near the old State House at Austin a monument has 
been erected to the defenders of the Alamo. On its side are 
carved the words: "Thermopylae had three messengers of 
defeat, the Alamo had none." 




The Alamo. 



Underwood & Underwood, 
Photo. 



JOHN C. FREMONT 

1813-1890 



/^N a bright winter morning, in the sunny state of 
^^ Georgia, in the year 1813, was bom John C. Fre- 
mont, destined to become one of the greatest explorers 
in American history. His father was a Frenchman who 
had left his home in France to escape the terrors of the 
French Revolution. His mother was an American, a cousin 
of George Washington. 

When John was five years old his father died, leaving 
him and his mother to struggle unaided through the world. 
They moved to Charleston, S. C., where the boy spent his 
youth. He worked for a lawyer. In this office he received 
all of his early education. Having a taste for mathematics, 
he turned his attention to mastering that subject. 

When he was twenty years old his state, South Carolina, 
defied the national government. A sloop of war was sent 
to the harbor of Charleston to force obedience to the govern- 
ment's law. 

Fremont secured a position aboard the boat as teacher 
of mathematics. For two years and a half he cruised 
around, teaching mathematics. 

At the end of this period he decided to study surveying 
and railroad engineering. His first task in this new pro- 

159 



i6o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

fession was to plan a railroad route from Charleston to 
Augusta. While engaged in this work he explored large 
tracts of land in South Carolina and Tennessee. 

This trip gave him a taste for further explorations. It 
decided his Ufe work. Henceforth he was to be the 
finder and maker of new trails through the great unknown 
West. 

His first important trip was the exploration of the upper 
region of the Mississippi. He was a lieutenant in this 
expedition, serving under a man named Nicollet. After 
this he made extensive explorations of the lands betweer^ 
the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. 

Senator Benton for many years had been urging Congress 
to supply money for exploring the great West. Young 
Fremont met the senator on his return from an exploring 
trip. Senator Benton liked the young man. His en- 
thusiasm, his courage, his self-reliance appealed to Benton. 
He had found the man to lead exploring expeditions — a man 
who would push onward, undaunted by any hardships or 
difficulties. 

Congress at last set aside money for an exploring trip 
to the great West. Benton had Fremont appointed to 
lead the expedition. Fremont had dreamed dreams of this 
great unknown land. He could fancy settlement after 
settlement growing in the unknown land, if only some one 
marked the way. He was glad of the chance to be the 
^'Pathfinder. " 

In 1 84 1 he explored the basin of the Des Moines River. 
On his return he married Senator Benton's daughter. Mrs. 
Fremont entered enthusiastically into his plans, though 



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John C. Fremont. 



Wood engraving from 
portrait, "Century 
Magazine," 1885. 



1 62 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

they meant that she would not see hyn for long periods of 
time. 

In May, 1842, he was sent to explore the South Pass to 
find the best route to the Pacific Coast. The party advanced 
along the basin of the La Platte River, through the South 
Pass, and thence to the Wind River peak, one of the highest 
peaks in the Rocky Mountain System. Its crest is 14,000 
feet above sea level. 

On the way they were surrounded by a band of hostile 
Indians who threatened to massacre the party if they 
tried to go on. A coimcil was called. Every member of 
the expedition advised against going on. The Indians 
were called to the council. Fremont said that he was going 
to advance. His fearlessness and the firearms of the party 
awed the Indians. They passed on in safety. 

On August 15, 1842, the httle party ate breakfast on a 
table land near the peak. Carefully covering the remains 
of the food, they saddled their mules and started the steep 
and dangerous ascent. The sure footed mules carried them 
well up the mountain. Soon, however, they reached a 
place where the mules could not be used. Turning them 
out to graze, the party went on. 

Both hands and feet were now necessary in the climb. 
Huge rocks had to be circled or climbed. The path was 
steep and slippery. Snow was everywhere save in one 
narrow path where it had melted. They walked on the 
edges of precipices whose straight walls towered for thousands 
of feet from the valley below. A misstep meant death on 
the rocks below. 
They were near the crest. Fremont sprang upon the 



JOHN C. FREMONT 163 

summit. Another step would have hurled him into an im- 
mense snow field 500 feet below. To the edge of this field 
was a sheer, icy precipice, and then with a gradual fall the 
field sloped off for about a mile until it struck the foot of 
another lower ridge. ''We fixed a ramrod in a crevice and 
unfurled the national flag to wave in the breeze where never 
flag waved before." 

Not a sign of animal life was anywhere, save a bumble 
bee who lighted on the knee of one of the party. This 
messenger of summer fields and flowers filled them with a 
keen joy while they rested in the snow of the mountain top. 
• Returning to their starting point, they embarked on a 
lake and followed it to its outlet. This small stream raced 
through an unmense gorge, the walls rising straight up for 
hundreds of feet. They shot through the canyon, jumping 
three small cataracts. 

At the end was a small open place, and beyond a second 
canyon stretching between rocky sides for seven or eight 
miles. There was no way to walk around it. They must 
go through. Three men, holding a rope attached to the 
stern of the boat, went ashore. The boat started. The 
swift current seized it. Onward it rushed. The rope was 
snatched away from two of the men. The third held on 
and was jerked headlong into the seething waters. He was 
rescued with difficulty. 

At one place the stream narrowed. The boat was too 
wide to pass through. Water rushed over them. Jumping 
out, they lifted the boat past the narrow place. ''We 
cleared rock after rock, and shot past faU after fall, our 
Uttle boat seeming to play with the current." The party 



i64 HEROES OF NATIONAI. HISTORY 

was excited. They sang a Canadian boat song. Just then 
the boat struck a rock and upset. 

All of the party reached the shore in safety, but their 
supplies and records were swept down stream by the rushing 
waters. The boat was hastily repaired. One of the party 
entered it while the others followed the shores, many times 
up to their knees in the water. At the end of the canyon 
they found most of the supplies and records in the quiet 
waters as the stream flowed lazily through the valley. 

On October 17 th they returned to St. Louis. In 1843 
Fremont started on his second expedition. This time he 
planned to explore the lower basin of the Columbia River.' 
On this trip he crossed the South Pass, entered the Great 
Interior Basin, and discovered the Great Salt Lake. He 
spent but little time here. The approach of winter com- 
pelled him to return. 

In 1845 ^^ again reached Great Salt Lake, making a 
complete tour of the lake. From here he went westward 
to California, reaching the Pacific coast. California was 
ruled by Mexico. He obtained permission from General 
Castro, the Mexican commander, to explore that region. 
This permission was soon withdrawn. Nevertheless, Fre- 
mont pushed on. 

Learning that Castro was leading a force to attack him, 
he hastily fortified a place near Monterey. The Mexican 
general was afraid to attack. Fremont started for Oregon. 
On the way he met two horsemen, the advance guard of a 
party of six, who were bringing dispatches from Washington. 
One of these ordered Fremont to remain in California to 
help prevent the English from securing that land. 



JOHN C. FREMONT 165 

The American settlers there joined his torces. Several 
battles were fought with the Mexicans. The American 
forces won. The arrival of Commodore Stockton in San 
Francisco Bay helped them, and Mexico surrendered Cali- 
fornia to the United States. Fremont was made governor 
of the new territory. 

General Kearny, commanding an American army, reached 
California. Stockton and he had a quarrel over who was 
in command. Fremont sided with Stockton. Later the 
authorities at Washington made Kearny commander. He 
arrested Fremont, sent him to St. Louis, where he was 
tried by court martial and convicted. The President 
pardoned him. Fremont, stung by the injustice of his con- 
viction, resigned from the army. 

After this Fremont returned to California, living there 
for several years. Business ventures compelled his return 
to the East. He was very popular and was nominated for 
President. As Fremont was known to be opposed to slavery 
and the country was not yet ready to abolish that evil, he 
was defeated by the only President ever elected from the 
state of Pennsylvania, James Buchanan. Retiring to private 
life, he devoted his time and energies to preparing a complete 
account of his explorations. The noted ''Pathfinder'^ died 
in 1890. 



ELI WHITNEY 

1765-1825 



A MERICAN inventors have given to the world many 
^^' of its most helpful machines. Eli Whitney's cotton- 
gin was the first of America's labor-saving gifts to the world. 

Eli Whitney, first American to be famous as an inventor, 
was born in Massachusetts. He soon showed great skill 
in using tools. Even when only ten years old he liked to 
steal away to the wood-shed and make things. As he 
grew older he learned to make nails, canes, tubs, and even 
made a violin. 

There was little money in Eli's home. The boy was 
eager to learn. He planned to go to college, though to do so 
meant work. He entered Yale College when he was twenty- 
four years old, finishing the four-year course in three years. 

The young man was ready to teach. For a time no op- 
portunity came. An offer of a position in Georgia sent him 
hurrying to that state. When he arrived the position had 
been filled. 

Bitterly disappointed, he sought employment as a private 
tutor. In his search he met Mrs. Greene, widow of General 
Nathanael Greene. She liked the struggling young teacher, 
and invited him to make her home his. Whitney accepted 
her offer. 

i66 



ELI WHITNEY 167 

While in Mrs. Greene's home he made an embroidery 
frame for her and several toys for the children. Mrs. 
Greene soon thought him a wonder with tools. 

One day some cotton planters visited Mrs. Greene. They 
were in great trouble. Their farms were good cotton- 
growing land, but it cost too much to clean the cotton. 

Each cotton boll is full of Httle sticky seeds. These 
must be removed. A slave could remove the seeds from but 
a few pounds of cotton daily. To clean enough cotton 
for one bale took a long time. The planters were in des- 
pair. They thought of giving up cotton planting and of 
turning their farms into indigo or tobacco plantations. 
'Tf we only had a machine to clean the cotton," said one of 
the planters. 

'T know a man," said Mrs. Greene, "who can make you 
a machine, I'll get him." 

Returning with Eli Whitney, she said, ''Here, gentlemen, 
is a man who can do anything." 

Whitney was embarrassed. He knew nothing about cot- 
ton. The planters urged him to try. ''We will tell you 
about cotton," said one. "You think about it. Try to 
make a machine." 

Whitney agreed to try. Difficulties arose at once, as 
nowhere in the South could he secure the necessary tools. 
He had to make them. There was no wire. He made 
it. Day and night he worked in Mrs. Greene's cellar. 

One day Whitney called her to see the new machine. 
She hurried to the cellar. Placing some cotton in the 
machine, Whitney turned a crank. In a few minutes a 
stream of clean cotton fibres poured out of the machine. 




T?^. -117-TT.^xTT.Tr Wood engraving from portrait, 

JEli Whitney. "Century Magazine," 1885. 



ELI WHlTNEV 169 

Mrs. Greene was pleased. "May I send for our planter 
friends?" asked she. 

"I shall be glad to show the machine to them," replied 
Whitney. 

The planters came. The exhibition was successful. 
All were pleased and happy. Whitney was urged to hurry 
to place the machine on sale. 

One night a party of men broke into the cellar and stole 
the machine. Whitney was angry. He had to begin all 
over. In disgust he left Georgia, going to Connecticut. 
Here he built a new machine and had it patented. 

Whitney's gin, as it was called, was a simple machine. 
It consisted of a basket with a bottom of fine wires, placed 
so close together that a cotton seed could not pass through. 
Under the basket was a wheel with iron teeth stuck in its 
tire. A crank turned this wheel. The teeth passed through 
the wires forming the bottom of the basket, seized the cot- 
ton, and pulled it through the grating. The seeds, being 
too large, remained behind. They poured out of the basket 
through a pipe placed in one end. Under the toothed 
wheel was a cylindrical brush. This revolved, brushing the 
cotton fibre from the toothed wheel. 

The Southern States were ungrateful. Whitney always 
had trouble in securing payments for -his machines. Plant- 
ers everywhere employed mechanics to make imitations. 
Law suits were started. Whitney won them, but rarely 
could he make the planters pay. Of all the cotton states, 
North Carolina was the only one that paid him his money. 
Whitney never received enough money from this invention 
to support his family. 



lyo HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Whitney's cotton-gin made cotton planting pay. Thou- 
sands of acres were planted in cotton. Cotton planters 
became wealthy. Before the gin was invented only 10,000 
bales of cotton left the United States yearly. Its invention 
increased this export until in i860 4,000,000 bales were 
sent to Europe. 

Before 1793 slave labor was unprofitable in the cotton 
states. Many people thought of freeing their slaves. The 
cotton-gin changed all this. Before its invention a slave 
could clean a few pounds of cotton daily. After its inven- 
tion he could clean several hundred pounds daily. Slave 
labor became valuable. The cotton-gin helped fasten slavery 
on the nation. 

The increase in cotton growing made cotton mills spring 
up in the North. This industry grew larger and larger, 
giving work and money to thousands of people. 

It is interesting to note that Whitney stopped making 
his gin. He could collect nothing from the users of his in- 
vention. He became interested in rifles. He invented 
several improvements, started a factory to make the new 
rifles, and made a fortune. 

At his death he was able to leave his family in comfort- 
able circumstances. 



ROBERT FULTON 

1765-1815 



"DOBERT FULTON, who made steamboat navigation 
■*"^ possible, was a native of Pennsylvania. He is a part 
of that great army of men and women who have helped make 
the great state of Pennsylvania renowned in every walk of 
life. 

Robert's father died when the boy was three years old. 
Robert spent his boyhood in Lancaster. He went to school, 
learning to read and write very quickly. He was not much 
interested in his school studies. He liked machines and 
everything relating to them. Most of his playtime was 
spent in machine shops. 

The workers liked to have him around. He was skilful 
with his pencil, making valuable suggestions about the 
shapes and decorations of much of the work done in the 
shops. Frequently he made calculations to show the size 
of a gun needed to send a bullet a given distance. 

The American Revolution began when he was eleven 
years old. Robert was intensely patriotic. He longed to 
shoulder a gun and march with the troops against the 
English. 

One Fourth of July he wished to make a celebration. He 
wanted to have lighted candles in his windows. This was 
forbidden, for candles were very scarce. What should he 

171 



172 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

do? He bought some powder and made skyrockets. That 
night he had a fine celebration and felt much better. 

Fulton was always interested in inventions. When 
fourteen he tried to make an air-gun. This was not a 
success. A friend asked him to go fishing with him and 
his father. Away they went. The father was an expert 
angler. He was glad to have the boys along. They could 
row the boat while he fished. 

Robert thought rowing too hard. The next time he 
refused to go. That week he visited an aunt. All day 
long he worked in the barn. ''What are you doing? Don't 
clutter up this barn," said his aunt. Still the boy worked 
on. One day he showed his aunt his work. It was a model 
of a rowboat with a paddle wheel. 

Leaving the model in the barn he went home. Then 
he joined his friend. Together they worked until paddle 
wheels had been fitted to the rowboat. Now they could 
sit in the stern, turn a crank, and force the boat through 
the water. 

His natural talent for drawing induced him to study art. 
He went to Philadelphia to study. Here he met Benjamin 
Franklin, who learned to love him. He made rapid prog- 
ress, finally deciding to go to England to finish his studies. 
With money made in Philadelphia he bought a large farm 
for his mother. 

Friends in Philadelphia gave him letters of introduction 
to Benjamin West, the famous Pennsylvania artist. West 
met him, liked him, and took him for a pupil. 

In England Fulton was rapidly becoming an artist of 
note. It looked as if a great career in art lay before him. 



ROBERT FULTON 1 73 

A friend in England, however, interested him in civil en- 
gineering. His old mechanical tastes returned; this was 
his profession. In this Hne of endeavor he could work 
harder than in any other. 

While in England he worked diligently. He made an 
improved mill for sawing marble, a machine for spinning 
flax, and one for making rope. 

> A friend of his was trying to perfect a steamboat with 
paddle wheels. Fulton was interested. He decided to 
try to make such a boat. 

Meeting Mr. Watt, the inventor, he had an opportunity 
to study his steam-engine. How could this engine be made 
to turn paddle wheels to force a boat through the water? 
That was the question. This work took time and money. 
To make a little money he began to paint. He went to 
France. His paintings were liked. In France he invented 
and painted the first panorama ever shown. The sale of 
this painting gave him enough money to continue his ex- 
periments. 

In 1 80 1 he produced an under-water boat. This was the 
first submarine. In the boat he stayed under water with 
three companions for one hour. Strangely enough, no 
nation wanted the boat. No one thought it would ever be 
useful. 

His next invention was a torpedo. England was 
tempted to buy this. They demanded, however, that 
Fulton should pledge himself never to let any other country 
use it. Fulton, full of patriotic love for his country, replied, 
"Whatever may be your award, I never will consent to let 
these inventions lie dormant should my country at any time 



174* HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

have need of them. Were you to grant me an annuity of 
2000 pounds, I would sacrifice all to the safety and in- 
dependence of my own country." 

In 1806 he returned to America. The submarine was 
offered to our government. Many tests were tried, but the 
boat failed and was rejected. 

Meanwhile many men in different countries were working 
to make a steamboat. Experiments were tried in England 
and in France. In America as early as 1786 John Fitch 
planned a boat to run by steam. In his boat water was to 
be sucked in from the bow of the boat and to be hurled out 
at the stern. Such a boat was tried on the Delaware 
River, but failed. 

While Fulton was not the first to plan a steamboat, 
still he was the first man who was able to build a steamboat 
that really worked and could be used for safe travel. 

Fulton decided to stop everything else and give his 
whole time to making a steamboat. He returned to 
France. Robert R. Livingstone, the American minister 
there, helped him with suggestions and money. 

Livingstone before going to France had secured all the 
rights to steamboat navigation on the waters of New York 
State. So he was much interested in Fulton's plans. 

Fulton worked daily. After weeks of thought and labor 
a boat was built. An engine was placed in it. Everything 
was ready for a trial on the following day. 

That night Fulton was awakened by loud knocks on his 
door. ''What is the matter?" he cried. "Your boat has 
broken in half and gone to the bottom," was the reply. 

Hastily dressing, Fulton rushed to the river. The boat 



ROBERT FULTON 175 

was gone. For twenty-four hours, without rest or sleep, 
he worked until the engine and boat had been raised. 
Undaunted, he began again. The boat was repaired and 
made much stronger. This boat showed that steamboats 
could be made a success. 

Fulton was always a lover of his native country. He 
wished America to have the honor and credit of his new 
boat. His native land was the place to work. So he left 
France and came to New York. 

No one in America seemed interested. His reception 
was cold. No one wanted to risk money on such a hare- 
brained scheme. People thought him crazy. Still he 
worked on, conquering each difficulty. 

His boat began to take shape. He ordered an engine 
from Watt. How could he make it run the boat? 

After much thought and planning his paddle-wheel 
rowboat, made when a boy, showed him the way. Two 
paddle wheels were built. Each one was 1 5 feet in diameter. 
The paddle boards were 4 feet long and dipped 2 feet into 
the water. 

In August, 1807, the boat, called the "Clermont," was 
ready for its trial trip. 

Fulton's heart beat high with joy. Success was near. 
Starting the engine, the little craft pushed out from its 
mooring on the East River, steamed slowly away into the 
Hudson River, and across to New Jersey. 

On the New Jersey side the boat was madj ready for 
its real trial trip up the Hudson. On the morning of Sep- 
tember 10, 1807, the strange looking little craft was ready to 
start. Great crowds lined the wharf and shores. It was a 




Bradford Photo. 



Robert Fulton. 



From portrait in 
Independence Hall. 



ROBERT FULTON 1 77 

jeering crowd. No one believed the queer boat would work. 
Jokes were made and many laughs started. 

Fulton worked calmly on. His faith in his boat was 
strong. All was ready for the start. Would it work? 
These were anxious moments. The engine started. Splash, 
splash went the wheels. ''Look! it is actually going!" cried 
the crowd. 

Slowly the little boat steamed out. Great clouds of 
dense black smoke poured from its funnels. Great clouds 
of spray flew from the splash of its paddle wheels. It 
gained speed. Soon it was going five miles an hour. The 
crowd burst into cheers. Then the boat stopped. 

''Ha! Ha!" laughed the crowd. "Of course it couldn't 
work." While they jeered and laughed the little boat 
started again. This time it kept on. Up the Hudson, 
against the current and winds, the Kttle boat pushed its 
way. 

All along the shores cheering crowds greeted the strange 
craft. Sailing boats on the river gave it a wide berth. Their 
crews were frantic with fear. They thought that Old 
Satan was on the river coming after them. 

The trip to Albany lasted thirty- two hours. Today it 
is made in a few hours. At that time the speed was wonder- 
ful. That little boat paved the way for the marvels of 
steam navigation of today. Soon the "Clermont" was 
making regular trips between New York and Albany. 
It carried freight and passengers. 

Fulton built other boats. They sailed on the waters of 
New York state. Other states wished to try this new way of 
traveling. Soon they were a common sight on all the rivers 



178 



HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 



of the Union. He designed a special boat for the shallow 
waters of the Mississippi. 

What did his invention mean? It meant that water 
navigation would no longer wait on currents and winds. 
Boats could ascend a river evon though the wind and current 
was against them. Again, the steamboat made better time 




The Clermont. 



Photo, of model in 
Penna. Commercial Museum. 



than the sailing vessel. It made possible better and safer 
boats for passenger travel. It made commerce between 
America and Europe safer, quicker, and more profitable. 

It is interesting to mention that Fulton in 1814 built the 
first steam war vessel ever made. He died before he could 
see this invention perfected. 

He is buried in Mr. Livingstone's family vault in Trinity 
Churchyard, New York City. No monument or tablet marks 
his simple grave. But as the steamboats and steamships ply 
the waters of the world, each one is a monument to the 
genius and hard work of the American — Robert Fulton. 



GOVERNOR CLINTON AND THE 
ERIE CANAL 

1817-1825 



T3^ARLY English settlements had been made along the 
-*— ' Atlantic Coast. Little by httle hardy pioneers pushed 
their way into the western wilderness. The close of the 
Revolutionary War saw sturdy Httle settlements west of the 
Appalachian Mountains. For a time Indian troubles stopped 
their advance. 

When peace was made with the Indian tribes, a steady 
stream of settlers poured into these western lands. As 
early as 1818 prosperous towns had grown up in western 
New York, Pennsylvania, and in the country between the 
Ohio and Mississippi rivers. 

The lands were fertile and well watered. Flourishing 
farms developed. Near the rivers and other streams manu- 
facturing began to play an important part in the life of 
this section. The great need, however, was for some way 
to carry the products of the farms and factories to the 
markets in the East. It is true, the Ohio and Mississippi 
rivers formed natural highways. Unfortunately, they led 
to a part far removed from the big cities near the coast. 
The Great Lakes were closed to shipping by Niagara Falls. 

179 



i8o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

At that time there were few good roads, no railroads, 
and no canals. This new land, however, must have an 
outlet to the sea. 

Europe for many years had been using its waterways 
and building new ones. Canals connected many places. 
Could not the new world use this method? 

De Witt Clinton, of New York, thought it could. For 
many years he studied the question. Across New York 
state from Lake Erie to the Hudson River was a route 
that nature seemed to have prepared for a canal. Here 
the mountain ranges are low and rivers in the right places. 

At first Clinton met with no encouragement. Some 
people thought him crazy. He kept steadily on. Then his 
opportunity came. He was chosen governor of the state. 
One of his first public acts was to ask the legislature to give 
money to build a canal. Of course it refused. Clinton asked 
again and again, until the money was granted. 

In 1818 the first spadeful of earth was Hfted. Many 
thought ''Clinton's Big Ditch" would be a failure. Along 
the route of the canal farmers left their work to dig the 
ditch. At the end of a year a portion of the canal was 
finished. Water was let in. The ditch held it. Boats were 
floated on the canal. Soon cargoes were being sent back 
and forth. Encouraged, the workers toiled on. The canal 
was a success. 

The finished canal was 363 miles long, 40 feet wide, and 
4 feet deep. The digging was a hard task. There were no 
steam shovels in those days. Men dug the ditch with spades. 
All work was man and horse labor. Trees had to be cut 
and stumps had to be pulled. In places the ground was 



GOVERNOR CLINTON AND THE ERIE CANAL i8i 

SO filled with roots that sharp knives had to be placed on 
plows to loosen the earth. 

The year 1825 saw the canal completed. Lake Erie 
was now connected with the Hudson River. 

This same year the canal was opened to traffic with a 
formal celebration. A procession of boats formed on Lake 
Erie. One of them, called ^'The Seneca Chief," carried 
Clinton and his party. Two kegs of water from Lake Erie 
and two baskets of apples from western New York were 
placed on board. 

Near 'The Seneca Chief" was another boat, ''Noah's 
Ark." On board this barge were two eagles, a bear, some 
fawns, fishes, birds, and two Indian boys. The West went 
to meet the East carrying its representatives along. 

All along the canal and Hudson River cannon had been 
planted. As the procession started the first cannon was 
fired, then the second, and so on until the cannon in New 
York City announced the start of the boats. So was the 
news carried from Buffalo to New York City. It took one 
hour and twenty minutes for the news to reach New York. 

The boats sailed slowly along the canal. The banks 
were filled with people shouting and laughing with joy. 
Celebrations were held everywhere, but the biggest was in 
New York City. 

The boats reached Albany. From there they sailed down 
the Hudson, past the city of New York, on out to sea. 
Off Sandy Hook, where the waters of the Hudson mingle 
with those of the Atlantic, Governor Clinton poured the 
water from the kegs into the ocean. "This is intended to 
commemorate the navigable communication accomplished 




Bradford Photo. 



De Witt Clinton. 



From portrait in 
Independence Hall. 



GOVERNOR CLINTON AND THE ERIE CANAL 183 

between our Mediterranean Seas and the Atlantic Ocean," 
said he. 

Turning, the boats sailed back to the city. Processions 
were formed, and the rest of the day made a holiday. In 
the evening parties and banquets were held everywhere. 
When it was quite dark there were fireworks. 

Well might New York rejoice. The Erie Canal was the 
beginning of its great wealth. It alone of the cities of the 
Atlantic Coast was now able to bring the products of the 
West to its doors by water. Before the canal was opened 
it cost $100 a ton to carry freight. After the canal was 
opened freight rates fell to ^10 a ton. Prices at once fell. 
Trade came more and more to New York City. The city 
grew and grew still larger. Today it is the largest city in 
the United States. 

Not only was the Erie Canal used to carry freight but 
also passengers. In those days it was a great relief to travel 
leisurely and comfortably aboard the slow-moving packet. 
It was a decided change from the discomforts of the stage- 
coach. 

In those times it took seven days' travel by canal from 
New York City to Buffalo. Today rapid express trains 
cover the same distance in a few hours. 

Clinton's "Big Ditch" was the wonder of its day. It 
made possible the close connection of the East with the 
West, and paved the way for better means of travel. 



STORY OF THE FIRST TRAIN 



npHE Erie Canal gave to the people of the western lands 
-*" a way to send their goods to New York City. High- 
ways across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia also 
helped furnish outlets to the Atlantic coast cities. These 
outlets were not large enough. The people of the West 
needed those of the East. Some better method of trans- 
portation must be found. 

Huge Conestoga wagons drawn by several horses went 
back and forth on the highway. Along the road inns were 
built. Many a jolly evening was spent in these taverns at 
the close of a day. The horses were fed, and the drivers, 
drawing close to the roaring fire, told stories of the road. 
When day broke the wagons went on. 

Many persons were trying to improve the method of 
carrying goods. The many ruts in the road suggested to 
one man the laying of rails. These rails were strips of iron 
nailed on wood. Horses drew the wagons over the rails. 
This was the first step toward the railroad. 

Men now began to plan ways to haul the wagons with- 
out horses. One wagon was built with a sail. All went 
merrily as long as the wind blew from the right direction. 
When it came from the front, the wagon stopped. 

Another genius proposed a treadmill wagon. In this 
wagon the horse stood inside on a moving platform. He 
had to move his legs as in walking. This made the platform 
move and so turned the wheels. This plan was a failure. 

184 



THE STORY OF THE FIRST TRAIN 



185 



Across the mountains of Pennsylvania a gravity railroad 
was built. Loaded cars were hauled to the top on an endless 
cham. From the top of the mountain the cars ran them- 
selves down the rails on the other side to the valley. In 
Reading, Pa., there is still such a railroad] on Mount Penn. 

At the beginning of the nineteenth century many men 
were at work trying to make a steam-engine that would run 




Photo, by Underwood & Underwood. 

The Rocket — Stevenson's Locomotive. 

on wheels. George Stevenson, a Scotchman, was the first to 
succeed. In America, Peter Cooper built a locomotive called 
"Tom Thumb" for a new railroad at Baltimore, Maryland. 
On Independence Day, 1828, Charles Carroll, one of the 
few living signers of the Declaration of Independence, lifted 
the first spadeful of earth. This was the beginning of rail- 
road construction in the Vnited States. 



1 86 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

In 1830 the road was completed.* "Tom Thumb" was 
attached to coaches. The train started. There was much 
excitement and great cheering. This first train ran 13 
miles in one hour and thirteen minutes! 

Soon after this trial trip daily trips were made. Balti- 
more w^as happy. Its people thought that the new road 
would bring the trade of the country to them. 

One day the train ran a race with a car pulled by a horse. 
Puff, puff, went the train; crack, crack, the whip. The 
horse won. 

Travelers on that railroad had no comforts. The 
coaches were the old stage-coaches on rails. Dense black 
smoke from the engine poured back into their faces. Some- 
times the top-heavy coaches fell over. Nevertheless the 
new train was a great step forward. 

In Philadelphia the locomotive industry began in the 
workshop of Matthias Baldwin. It was at 4th and Walnut 
Streets, later at 6th and Minor. Today it has grown until 
it covers several city blocks in the neighborhood of Broad 
and Spring Garden Streets. The Baldwin Locomotive 
Works are world known. 

Baldwin's first order was to make a miniature engine 
for the Philadelphia Museum. This was to run on tracks 
laid on the floor of the museum. It was a great success. 
Curious crowds paid to see the marvel. One day an owner 
of the Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown Railroad 
saw the little engine. He was interested. "If it were large 
enough it could haul our cars in place of horses," thought he. 
He went to Baldwin and gave him an order to build a large 
engine. 



1 88 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

After many failures Baldwin built the engine. Its first 
trip was successful. Improvements were made. Soon the 
new engine made daily trips between 9th and Green Streets, 
Philadelphia, and Main Street, Germantown. 

Many people went to the station to see the new machine. 
The company advertised their marvel in the daily papers. 
Tickets for rides were sold at 25 cents each. The rides 
became popular. Excursions started daily. 

Baldwin's engine was called ''Old Ironsides." It is now 
on exhibition at the Columbia Avenue station of the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad. 

Gradually railroads were increased. Today steel rails 
connect every city and town. Giant iron engines run 
swiftly along the rails. Today we ride in safety and com- 
fort. The railroads have united the country. 



CYRUS H. Mccormick 

1809-1884 



MANY years ago all farm work was done by hand labor. 
There were no machines, even the iron plough was 
unknown. In colonial days wooden ploughs drawn by 
oxen were used to break up the fields for planting. 

When the grain was ripe and ready to reap, gangs of 
men entered the fields, each armed with a long sharp scythe. 
With a swish and a swash the small army worked from one 
end of the field to the other. Often races were run to see 
who could cut the most grain, or who could reach the end 
of the field first. 

Such methods of farming could not lead to big farms. 
The great grain fields of our West could not be reaped by 
hand labor. In those days only enough grain was grown 
for one year. If anything happened to spoil a crop, famine 
was the result. 

In such a year of famine the boy Cyrus McCormick was 
bom in Virginia. Curiously enough, a famine year pro- 
duced a genius who through his invention was to prevent 
such famines in the future. 

The McCormicks were prosperous farmers. They owned 
four farms and worked them steadily. The father was an 
energetic man with a turn toward invention. The old 

189 




Cyrus H. McCormick. 



Photo. International 
Harvester Company. 



CYRUS H. MCCORMICK IQI 

Scythe method of reaping grain was too slow. He thought 
grain could be cut by machinery. 

So he turned one of his buildings into a blacksmith ship. 
Here he thought and worked. One day he brought out a 
queer looking machine. It had a row of knives in front and 
a place at the back for the horse to push it. 

Hopefully he tried the new machine, but it failed. He 
tried again; again failure. He put the machine aside. 

Cyrus, however, was much interested in his father's 
machine. Tools and machines always attracted him. He 
had made a map on rollers and a quadrant to use in survey- 
ing. 

Much labor in the hay and grain fields made Cyrus anx- 
ious to find a machine to do the work. A careful examination 
and trial convinced McCormick that his father's machine had 
been made wrong. He thought of the motions of the scythe. 
In cutting, as one stepped forward, he swept the scythe side- 
wise. A reaping machine must have these two motions. He 
devised a saw-toothed blade that moved under a similar 
blade that was stationary. At the end of the blade there 
was a wooden rod to separate the grain left standing from 
that to be cut. The cutting parts were placed on the side 
of the machine. The horse could now pull it and still not 
trample the standing grain. 

McCormick toiled to finish his machine in time for the 
harvest in 1831. Part of a field of oats was left standing. 
Hitching the horse to his machine, he drove out. The 
machine worked. It cut the grain. 

That mnter he made many improvements. The next 
harvest time McCormick was ready for a pubHc exhibition. 



192 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

One afternoon he cut six acres of oats. Six laborers would 
have worked hard all day to cut the same amount. 

Another day McCormick drove the reaper to a neighbor- 
ing town. He tried it on a rough, hilly tract. It wouldn't 
work evenly. ''You are spoiling my grain," cried the owner; 
''clear out." 

Another man said, "Here, I'll give you a fair chance. 
Tear down that fence, cross into that field, and cut the 
grain." McCormick cut six acres of grain that after- 
noon. 

In spite of these successes, no one would buy a reaper. 
Farmers did not like new ideas. Farm hands feared they 
would lose their jobs. McCormick steadily grew poorer. 
He kept on, however. Nothing dimmed his faith in his 
reaper. 

One day a man visited McCormick's farm. He wanted 
a reaper. This was the beginning of success. Soon his 
little blacksmith shop was not big enough to supply the 
demand for reapers. 

McCormick went West. The. great rolling prairies ap- 
pealed to him. Here was an ideal place for grain and an 
ideal place for a reaper. Looking around, he found a small 
new town growing up. It v/as on Lake Michigan and was 
called Chicago. 

McCormick went to Chicago. He interested a wealthy 
man named Ogden, who advanced money and became his 
partner. 

A factory was started. McCormick worked day and 
night making reapers. Farmers became interested. Reap- 
ers were sold all over the United States and in Europe. 



CYRUS H. Mccormick 



193 



His factory became larger and larger, and McCormick made 
a fortune 

This wonderful invention made possible our great grain 
fields. The reaper with its many improvements is today 
able to do the work of many men. Great reapers drawn 
by engines are in use in the West. These big machines 




A McCormick Reaper. 



can cut, thrash, clean, and put in sacks the grain from 75 
to 100 acres in a single day. 

McCormick lived to see his reaper a great success; to 
see it used in all parts of the world, and to know that his 
invention had increased the wealth of the people and made 
'arm work less burdensome. He died in li 

»3 



194 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

At the time of his death the United States was producing 
ten bushels of wheat for each person Hving here. Before his 
reaper made the great grain fields of the West possible our 
wheat crop was only four bushels for each person. 

The railroads, steamboats, factories, and new industries 
had called many men from the fields. City life was develop- 
ing. Many people were leaving the country to live in the 
cities. McCormick's reaper took the place of these workers 
in the fields. Without it the farmer could not have cut his 
grain. Through its help the West became the ''granary of 
the world." In the great world crisis in 191 8, when the 
United States had to feed the world, McCormick's reaper 
made possible the bumper crops of that year. 

Each summer as the reaper clicks merrily across the 
fields and the ripened grain falls before it the farmer blesses 
the memory of the man who gave this great invention to the 
world. 




McCoRMiCK Grain Re.\pers and Bint)ers. 



SAMUEL MORSE 

1791-1872 



SAMUEL MORSE, like Robert Fulton, began his career 
as an artist. He was born in Massachusetts, educated 
in the public schools, and was graduated from Yale College 
two years before the War of 1812. 

To complete his studies in art he went to England. 
There he studied with the great American painters — West, 
Copley, and Allston. His paintings attracted wide interest 
and attention. His career seemed most promising. 

Lack of money, however, compelled him to stop his 
studies. Returning to America, he lived in New York. 
He found most of the artists jealous of each other. Morse 
thought this wrong. It should be changed, so he invited a 
number to visit him. The evening was spent in pleasant 
talk. They became better acquainted. Morse proposed to 
begin a National Academy of Design. This was a good 
idea. The artists combined, forgot their jealousies, and 
started the Academy, with Morse as its first president. 

Some time later Morse sailed for England to finish his 
studies. He remained abroad three years, returning to 
America to become Professor of Literature of the Fine Arts 
in the University of the City of New York. 

All this time he was intensely interested in chemistry 
and natural philosophy. His greatest delight in his leisure 

19s 



196 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

hours was to experiment with electricity. He read, studied, 
and thought until he became one of the best informed men 
on the subject. 

He decided to return to America to continue his elec- 
trical studies. The ship was crowded with learned men 
and women. Some of the party were telling about experi- 
ments with electromagnets that they had seen in Paris. 

Morse listened intently. To those around the talk was 
merely interesting and a good way to while away time on 
the long trip across the ocean. To Morse, however, the con- 
versation meant much more. From these accounts he ob- 
tained the idea that led directly to his telegraphic machine. 

Day after day Morse thought about it. As he walked 
the decks in the beautiful moonlight he pictured his inven- 
tion and how to make it work. In his cabin he made draw- 
ings of the hiachine and invented his alphabet. This was 
in 1832. 

Three years later he built his first model. It was only 
a rude instrument, but with it he sent messages over a 
wire half a mile long. 

As yet he had no way of returning a message. He needed 
a machine at the other end of the wire. He had no money 
to pay for it. Patiently he worked and saved for two years. 
Then his savings were enough to let him build a second 
instrument. Placing the new machine at the other end of 
the wire he listened with pleasure to the returned messages. 
The invention was a success. 

For a couple of years he lectured, exhibiting the instru- 
ment to large audiences. In 1840 he obtained a patent. 

Then began a long series of failures and disappoint- 




Bradford Photo 



Samuel F. B. Morse. 



From engraving. 



198 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

ments. Morse was poor. To build a telegraph line would 
take thousands of dollars. 

In this extremity he applied to Congress for help. 
Congress was not impressed with the invention and could 
see no need for such a machine. Help was refused. Morse 
turned to England for aid, without success. He then took 
the instrument to France. They, too, failed him. 

Almost hopeless, he returned to America. Again he 
asked aid of Congress. The long session dragged on. Morse 
waited hopelessly. The last day came. Would Congress 
help? 

That night Morse packed his trunk, preparing to leave 
the city. He was hopeless and almost penniless. 

The next morning while at breakfast an item in the 
paper caught his eye. He gasped and read it again. For- 
getting his breakfast, he rushed out and up the street to the 
Capitol. ''Yes, it is true," said the clerk. "Congress voted 
you $30,000 yesterday to build a telegraph line." 

Despair turned into joy. Eagerly he began work. Poles 
were set up between Washington and Baltimore. Wires 
were stretched on them and instruments placed in position. 
The day of the test came. 

On May 27, 1844, Morse, happy, confident, but very 
nervous, prepared to send his first message. Many guests 
were present. Seated before his instrument, Morse calmly 
clicked off the first telegraphic message ever sent. It was 
the beautiful words, "What hath God wrought?" 

Almost immediately an answer came back from Balti- 
more. Message after message was sent and returned. The 
entire test was a great success. 



SAMUEL MORSE 199 

Morse's fortune was made. The value of the invention 
was seen at once. Companies were formed throughout the 
United States. They grew rapidly. Soon miles and miles 
of telegraph lines connected every part of the country. 

Europe became interested. Companies were formed in 
every nation. Telegraph lines spread everywhere. 

Some time later Cyrus Field asked Morse's opinion about 
a telegraph under the sea. He and Field worked together 
until the first cable was laid. This made possible quick 
communication between America and Europe. 

Today we would not know how to transact business with- 
out its aid. Railroad trains as they run to and fro are safe- 
guarded by this wonderful invention. In a few hours 
merchants in New York communicate easily and cheaply 
with those in San Francisco. 

In 1872, full of years and honor, Samuel Morse died. 
Each telegraph line today reminds us of this great man. 
His invention made possible the growth and wealth of this 
nation. Rapid and easy communication knit the country 
together. 



ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL 

1847- 



T^URING the Great War in Europe the telephone went 
■*-^ side by side with the advancing troops. By means 
of it the commanding general could speak at once with any 
officer in his division. 

A few years ago this was not possible. Before 1876 
there were no telephones. In that year Alexander Graham 
Bell astonished the world with his wonderful invention. 

A long time ago a family named Bell lived in Scotland. 
In 1847 ^ ^^w little boy came to their house. He was a 
bright youngster and as he grew older showed a great in- 
terest in sounds. 

WTien he was old enough Alexander attended High 
School in Edinburgh. Later he went to college. 

Alexander's father was much interested in deaf mutes. 
He studied to find a way to teach them to speak. The boy 
listened to his father's talks, and soon became eager to 
help. His father encouraged the boy to experiment. 

One day Alexander and his brother made a model of a 
human head. It was a curious thing. One boy pumped air 
into the neck, the other moved the jaws, and the figure 
said ''Ma, Ma!" Like all boys, they used it to startle their 
friends. Many a good laugh had they with this toy. 




Alexander Graham Bell. 



Photo, by 
Underwood & Underwood. 



202 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Alexander studied music. He became interested in ex- 
periments with tuning-forks. A man had been making 
tuning-forks repeat vowel sounds. Alexander thought the 
forks were made to do this by electricity. "If the forks can 
make vowel sounds, why not consonant sounds also?" was 
his thought. This was the starting-point of his telephone. 

Alexander had been working hard. His health failed. 
Two of his brothers died. So Alexander's father insisted on 
his taking a rest. The two men left Scotland and went to 
Canada where they lived on a farm. Alexander studied and 
taught. 

When Bell was twenty-five years old the Board of 
Education in Boston asked him to take charge of a school 
for deaf mutes. Accepting the offer, he began a careful 
study of methods of teaching the dumb to speak. 

Bell planned to make pictures of sounds to show the 
children. He invented a curious machine. Into this he 
talked. A membrane made a needle trace lines on a smoked 
plate. These lines were pictures of the sounds. 

One day he told a friend about this. "Why not use a 
human ear?" said his friend. "I would like to try it," re- 
plied Bell, ''but where can I get an ear?" 

"I'll get you one," said his friend. 

Bell took the ear, moistened the drum with glycerine, 
and used it on his machine. The bones of the ear made 
tracings on the glass. "Why not try a piece of iron in- 
stead of the bones?" thought he. This experiment was 
successful. 

Only one more step was necessary. As he looked at the 
apparatus and thought about it, the idea came to him: 



ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL 203 

"Why not make the iron touch an electric magnet and have 
wires attached to the magnet!" 

If this succeeded, he would have a talking telegraph. 
Two years more of hard work and privations were between 
him and success. 

During this time a friend named Watson helped him. 
One day as they worked the instruments stuck. Watson 
pulled the iron away from the magnet. As he did so, Bell, 
looking at the instrument near him, saw the iron on his 
magnet move too. ''Try it again," he shouted. Again and 
again Watson pulled the little piece of iron, and the other 
piece moved too. 

Three instruments were made. Two failed, but the third 
succeeded. 

Watson took one instrument to the cellar. Wires were 
run from his instrument to Bell's. The two men could 
hear each other over the wires. The speaking telegraph was 
now a possibility. 

Bell made his first public exhibition at the Centennial in 
Philadelphia, 1876. His exhibit was last on the list. It 
was hot and the judges tired. All day long they had been 
looking and listening. Bell waited patiently. He was next. 
Disappointment seemed his doom. The tired judges were 
turning away. 

Bell was in despair. He must return to Boston soon. 
Just then one of the judges, Dom Pedro, Emperor of Brazil, 
saw him. ''Are you not the Mr. Bell whose school I visited 
in Boston?" "Yes," said Bell. "What are you doing here?" 
asked the Emperor. "I have an exhibit," replied Bell. 

"Let us go to see it," said the Emperor. The crowds 



204 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

followed him. Dom Pedro sat at the table. He Hfted the 
receiver, holding it to his ear. He did not know what to 
expect. 

Suddenly a look of surprise flashed across his face. "It 
speaks," said he. 

A famous scientist took the receiver, listening with pleas- 
ure. He said: ''It does speak. It is the most wonderful 
thing I have seen in America. . . . It is the greatest 
marvel achieved by the electric telegraph. . . . Before 
long friends will whisper their secrets over the electric wire." 

From this small beginning grew the great telephone lines 
of today. 

Friends talk to friends over the wire. Doctors may be 
called quickly to aid sick people. Engagements of all kinds 
are made. Many business deals depend on the telephone. 
All modern life is linked with this wonderful instrument. 
A business man in New York may talk with his salesman in 
Chicago or San Francisco. Many a sale is made and many 
a dollar earned through the telephone. 

Alexander Graham Bell is still living (19 19). Each day 
finds him at his work. His eager interest in science is still 
keen. His active brain is still working clearly. 

MilKons of homes and buildings today have a monument 
to Bell. It is a Httle box, and an instrument called the tele- 
'^hone. As we use it we honor its great inventor. 



THOMAS A. EDISON 

1847- 



IJOYS now living accept without question and as every- 
■*~*^ day affairs marvels of convenience that were un- 
known a few years ago. 

Colonial boys and girls had small schools; no lights but 
candles, such as Franklin made as a boy. No heat but that 
from the open fireplace. There were no trolley cars, auto- 
mobiles, or airplanes. We today are Uving in the age of 
marvels. 

In February, 1847, i^ ^ small village in Ohio, Thomas 
A. Edison was born. This boy became the man who through 
his inventions made possible many of the wonderful con- 
veniences in use today. 

Edison was rather a small boy, but he was full of energy. 
He liked hard work. It was a pleasure for him to conquer 
anything that seemed hard. 

His father was a big, strong, sturdy man; his mother a 
beautiful, cultured woman. Thomas inherited strength 
from his father and his keen intellect from his mother. 

Good schools were not a part of Edison's town life. He 
was educated by his mother. This wonderful woman de- 
veloped in Thomas a fine love for learning. She taught him 
to read good books. 

205 



2o6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

When only ten years old he planned to read all the 
books in the public library. He read all on two lower shelves. 
Then the boy decided to select his reading more carefully. 

In those days little boys were employed on trains. They 
sold fruit, candy, and newspapers. Thomas Edison got a 
job as train boy. The little merchant was only twelve 
years old. 

Day after day he walked through the coaches calling 
his wares. He was not content with this, however. The 
crowds gathered at the stations gave him an idea. There- 
after he telegraphed the headlines of his newspapers to the 
stations. A friend wrote them on the blackboards. When 
the train arrived Thomas jumped off, went to the crowds 
around the bulletin board, and rapidly sold his papers. 
Soon he was able to employ four other boys to help him. 
He averaged $500 a year for himself. 

Having plenty of time on the train,- Edison thought it 
a good chance to increase his knowledge. He bought a 
book on chemistry and some second-hand apparatus. All 
went well in his experiments until one day he spilled some 
phosphorus. 

This started a fire in the coach. The angry conductor 
threw his laboratory out of the window and Thomas after it. 
The boy picked up his stuff, took it home, and began again 
in his father's cellar. 

While on the train he started a newspaper. This was 
the only paper at that time printed, published, and sold on 
a train. He had no press. He set his type and printed the 
paper by pressing it against the type with his hand. 

Electric machines always interested him. He began to 




Thomas A. Edison. 



Photo, by 
Underwood & Underwood. 



2o8 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

study telegraphy. A friend and he built a short line between 
their houses, sending messages back and forth. 

Soon after this Thomas saved the station agent's daughter 
from death before a train. The grateful father taught him 
telegraphy. 

At eighteen years of age Edison obtained his first posi- 
tion as a telegraph operator. He was not successful. The 
machine interested him more than his job. While he was 
working out improvements on the sending apparatus many 
messages were neglected. The company had no time for 
dreamers, ancj so he lost his job. 

Not a bit discouraged, he went to Canada. There he 
secured work as night operator. While thinking of many 
ways to improve the machinery an important message ar- 
rived. He forgot to give it to the conductor. The train 
pulled out and barely escaped a head-on wreck. Of course 
he was discharged. 

Still undaunted, he came home. There was an ice jam in 
the river. The telegraph cable broke. Edison wanted to 
send a message across the river. Climbing a locomotive he 
tooted the whistle, using the Morse alphabet. The operator 
on the other side listened, understood, and answered. 

After this Edison was made operator on the newspaper 
wire. He was not rapid enough and lost the job. Then the 
young man practised hard until he was able to send and 
receive messages rapidly. 

Leaving the west, Edison went to Boston. Here he was 
given charge of the wire to New York City. This was the 
most important wire in the ofhce. After two years' work in 
this office he went to New York. 



THOMAS A. EDISON 209 

He had no job and could find none, Frequently he was 
without food and lodging. 

One day, looking for work, he entered a telegraph office. 
The sending machine was broken. No one could fix it. 
Edison asked to try. Soon the machine was working better 
than before. The owners asked him to stay. 

His mind was now actively working on inventions. He 
was approaching his life work. During this time he made 
so many valuable improvements for the company that they 
decided to help him. 

Two companies united. They furnished Edison with an 
office and assistants. In return he was to give his entire 
time and energy to making improvements on electrical 
machines. 

Edison built a factory at Newark, New Jersey. This 
was the only factory of its kind in the world. The things 
he made were not to sell at once, but the entire factory was 
at work making inventions that later could be marketed. 

Some time after this he moved to Menlo Park. Here he 
built a factory and started business for himself. In this 
wonder-house many of our electrical applicances have been 
thought out and made perfect. 

Around him he drew a force of men with inventive and 
mechanical genius. These men worked on their own inven- 
tions and ideas, Thomas Edison helping and suggesting. 

Edison has remarkable power for work. When inter- 
ested in an invention he works day and night. Sleep seems 
to leave him. When through, he rests. He uses neither 
alcohol nor narcotics. It is said that no one who smokes 
cigarettes can work for him. 
14 



2IO HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

When your grandfather was a boy there were no electric 
Hghts. In some places gas was used for lighting, but in 
most homes kerosene lamps were the only means of light- 
ing. Streets had but few lights and those were poor. 

Today Edison's inventions have made possible brilliant 
lights at night. He improved the electric light so that it 
could be used safely and without great expense. He in- 
vented the incandescent light and then improved it so that 
today it has become the best means of lighting our houses. 

One of his greatest inventions was a new method of 
telegraphing. By this system four messages can be sent 
over the one wire at the same time — two in one direction 
and two in the opposite. 

When you sit at home, start the phonograph, and listen 
to the world's best singers, or dance to its music, you are 
using a machine made first by Thomas A. Edison. 

When you spend a delightful time seeing beautiful or 
funny pictures in the "movies," again you are seemg the 
results of Edison's wonderful genius. 

When you use the modern telephone and distinctly hear 
your friend at the other end of the wire, you are again in- 
debted to Edison. He made improvements on Bell's tele- 
phone that made the modern instrument possible. 

These are but a few of the many marvels that have been 
given to the world by Thomas A. Edison. 

A few years ago Edison's great factory at Menlo Park 
burned to the ground. He was then sixty-eight years old. 
Undaunted and with splendid courage, he drew new plans 
and rebuilt the factory. 

Mr. Edison is a plain man. He hates to attend dinners 



THOMAS A. EDISON 2il 

in his honor or to hear speeches praising him. He prefers to 
be in the factory working night and day on his inventions. 
He dresses simply, working in an old stained suit. One of 
his chief delights is to show visitors through his wonder 
factory. 

This marvelous man, now (191 9) aged seventy-two years, 
is still at work in his wonder-house, striving to make machines 
to save labor and to give pleasure to others. 



LUCRETIA MOTT 

1793-1880 



TN 1609 a small ship sailed up the James River, bringing 
-*" a few negro slaves to this country. As time passed, 
more and more slaves were brought, until every colony had 
some. 

In parts of the country some people began to think that 
this was wrong. In the South, however, more and more 
slaves were added to those already there. 

In 1793 Whitney's cotton-gin made slave labor profitable. 
Many cotton mills were started. As slave labor supplied 
these with cotton it looked as if slavery had come to stay. 

In that same year, in a small town in Massachusetts, a 
little girl was born. It was a cold, bleak winter day when 
Lucretia Coffen first saw the light. This little girl was 
destined to be one of the foremost leaders in the movement 
against slavery. 

Lucretia's father was captain of a whaling ship. During 
his long absences from home the mother taught her little 
girl to read and wTite, and to be thrifty and honest. 

Captain Coffen decided to leave the sea. He sold his 
ship and went to Boston. In Boston Lucretia attended 
private schools for a while, later going to the public schools. 
Her father wished her to be educated with other boys and 




Bradford Photo. 



LUCRETIA MOTT. 



Penna. Historical Society. 



214 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

girls in the public schools so that she would learn the demo- 
cratic spirit of this land. 

When thirteen years old Lucretia went to New York 
and entered a French school. Two years later she became 
a teacher there. She met James Mott and learned to love 
him. 

At this time she began to think that men had more 
rights and opportunities than women. She thought this 
unfair. 'T early resolved," said she, ''to claim for myself 
all that an impartial Creator had bestowed." From this 
time on she thought about women's rights. 

Her father now moved to Philadelphia. Lucretia joined 
him in that city. Soon Mr. Mott resigned his position and 
started in business in Philadelphia. He was a frequent 
visitor at the Coffen's home. 

In the course of time he and Lucretia were married. 
Soon after the marriage Mr. Coffen died. The young couple 
opened a school to support themselves and Lucretia's mother 
and sisters. 

Lucretia was now becoming intensely interested in anti- 
slavery thought. She was a member of the Society of 
Friends. The members of this Society freed all their slaves. 
Mr. Mott gave up his cotton business because it was sup- 
ported by slave labor. 

In 1833 sentiment against slavery began to grow in Phila- 
delphia. It grew stronger and stronger. A society was 
formed to oppose slavery. Mrs. Mott was its first president. 

All over the country men and women were beginning to 
think about this great evil. They wished the slaves to be 
freed. From the South came tales of cruelty and hardships. 



LUCRETIA MOTT 215 

Many hearts were sad at the thought of people held fast in 
bondage. 

Slaves ran away from their masters. They fled North. 
Lucretia Mott gave them refuge and helped them to reach 
Canada. She formed societies to help the runaways. This 
was not all pleasant, however, as many people in the North 
still had little sympathy with the slaves. When Lucretia 
Mott lectured against slavery crowds burned her halls. 
She was insulted and scoffed at on the streets. Neverthe- 
less, she worked on. 

A national Anti-slavery Society was formed. Mrs. Mott 
joined and worked day and night. She met Lloyd Garrison 
and John G. Whittier. These three worked constantly to 
help the slaves. 

An ^'underground railroad" was formed. This was not 
a real railroad; neither was it underground. It was merely 
a secret society. The members pledged themselves to help 
runaway slaves reach Canada, where they were safe. 

It worked like this: An escaped slave started north. 
Some member of the society would hide him, feed him, and 
send him on to another member, until he reached safety. 
Each member did all he could to help the slave and refused 
to tell the pursuers anything. 

The South became angry. They had a Fugitive Slave 
Law passed. This made it unlawful to help the runaways. 
The society worked on in defiance of the law. 

In 1840 Lucretia Mott was sent to London to represent 
the anti-slavery people of the United States in a great con- 
vention. She met Elizabeth Cady Stanton, another dele- 
gate. Together they went to the hall. What do you think 



2i6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

happened? The doorkeeper would not let them enter. 
''Only men can attend this convention," were his words. 

Of course, the ladies were angry. Were they not dele- 
gates? Had they not the same rights as the men delegates? 
Their indignation had no effect. They could not enter. 

The two ladies retired to talk it over. Out of this talk 
grew a society to demand Women's Suffrage. Mrs. Mott 
brought the movement to America. It grew until a conven- 
tion was held in Seneca Falls, New York, in July, 1848. 
This was the first Women's Rights Convention. 

From this small beginning the thought grew and spread 
until in the English-speaking nations women have demanded 
the right to vote. 

Today (191 9) an amendment to the Constitution has 
been adopted by Congress. This amendment will give suf- 
frage to every woman. When it is ratified by the states 
the injustice done women for so many years will be removed. 

Mrs. Mott lived to see the negro freed and the suf- 
frage movement well launched. She died in 1880 aged 
eighty-seven years. 



HARRIET BEECHER STOW^E 

1811-1896 



TWTANY years ago a book called "Uncle Tom's Cabin" 
•^^-^ was written. This is a tale of slave days. The 
hardships and sufferings of the slaves are told in vivid 
words. One can almost see the slave standing on the 
auction block. Bound together by clanking chains the 
slave gang passes by. There in the harvest field are the 
gangs at work. 

Uncle Tom is the hero and Eliza the heroine. At the 
beginning each is owned by a kind master. His death 
results in their sale to the planters of the cotton plantations. 
Goaded by the cruelty of her owner Eliza runs away. 
Trailed by savage blood-hounds she reaches the Ohio River. 
She crosses on the floating cakes of ice. The hounds come 
nearer and nearer, but are stopped by the river. Eliza is 
received by agents of the "underground railroad," who take 
her to Canada. 

Uncle Tom is taken far south. He works faithfully. 
His owner whips him and works him to death. 

This book was a strong influence in making people hate 
slavery. It was read everywhere in America and in Eng- 
land. It has been translated and printed in nearly every 
country of the world. Its author was Harriet Beecher 
Stowe. 



217 




Harriet Beecher Stowe 



Wood engraving in "The 
Century Magazine," 1885. 



HARRIET BEECIIER STOWE 219 

Mrs. Stowe was born in Connecticut. Her father, 
Lyman Beecher, was a minister. Her brother, Henry 
Ward Beecher, was the famous Boston preacher. 

Mrs. Stowe became interested in the slave question. 
In her home was a httle negress who had escaped from her 
owner. At that time Mrs. Stowe hved in Ohio. Under 
the laws of that state the girl was free. Her former owners 
came from Kentucky to capture her. Mrs. Stowe drove 
her 12 miles into the country and hid her until the slave 
hunters left. This little incident inspired her to write her 
book. 

Mrs. Stowe lectured and wrote against slavery. She 
became known all over the world. England asked her to 
visit that country, and great ovations were given her. An 
offering of pennies was made. These pennies were turned 
into icx)o gold sovereigns ($5000) and given to help fight 
slavery. 

The Duchess of Sutherland gave her a gold bracelet. 
The links were like those of the slave chain. There were 
twenty-eight links. On twenty-seven of them were in- 
scribed the dates of the abolition of slavery in the English 
possessions. On the twenty-eighth link Mrs. Stowe, later, 
had 1865 cut. This was the date of America's emancipation. 

Mrs. Stowe returned to America. She continued her 
work against slavery. She founded schools, even taking 
the colored children to her own home. She helped buy 
ill-treated slaves and set them free. Each day saw her 
writing letters against slavery to influential people. 

Mrs. Stowe lived to see the slave freed and many in- 
stitutions founded to educate him. She died in 1896. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN 

1809-1865 



ON a small farm in the backwoods of Kentucky was once 
a small one-room cabin. One window let in light and 
a big clumsy door creaked slowly on its hinges. Extending 
above the roof was the huge, squat chimney. It told of the 
fireplace in the room below. 

One chill February day in the year 1809 a baby boy, 
Abraham Lincoln, came to live in the little cabin. Amid 
privations and poverty Abraham struggled and worked ever 
onward and upward to fame and honor. He became the 
greatest man of his time and many people think he was the 
greatest President this country has ever known. 

Abraham never had any of the fine chances that boys 
have today. He went to no fine school building, no electric 
cars carried him from place to place. His clothes were rough 
homespun, made in his own home. His shoes were rough 
leather, comfortless and ungainly. But he w^as a real boy. 
Nothing was too hard for him. What he decided to do, he 
did. 

Abraham's father hked to move to new places. When 
Abe was seven years old the family moved to Indiana 
and began life again. In a rude log hut the family 
spent that winter. During the winter the trees were 




Abraham Lincoln. 



Bradford Photo. 



222 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

cut down and the land made ready for ploughing in the 
spring. 

The little hut had a garret. This was Abe's bedroom. 
Every night he climbed the pegs in the wall and went to 
sleep in the dark. 

When he was nine years old his mother died. The next 
year his father brought him another mother. This new 
mother was kind and loving. She was energetic and honest. 
She put new life and energy into the home. Lincoln, when 
a man, said that most of his success came from her loving 
care and training. 

Of course, Lincoln did not go to school. In this new 
land there were no schools. His mother taught him to read, 
write, and cipher. Night after night he sat beside the log 
fire reading from his borrowed books, or writing with char- 
coal on the clean side of a shingle. 

Each day saw Abe up at sunrise and ready to work on 
the farm. All day long he toiled as only a farmer's boy 
toils. What a strong, healthy boy he must have been to 
stand all the work and still be willing and able to study at 
night ! 

In his sixteenth year he earned his first dollar. He built 
a small flat boat on the Ohio River. One day he was looking 
proudly at his boat. Two men came hurrying along. ''Can 
you take us out to the steamboat?" said one. 

Jumping into the boat, Abe pushed off. Proudly he 
held his small craft alongside the steamer. The men jumped 
aboard. Each threw him a bright, new, shining half 
dollar. He had never had so much money before. He 
felt rich. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN 223 

Lincoln was a tall, strong, thin boy. He could run faster, 
fight harder, and wrestle better than any of the other boys. 
All the boys liked him. He was good natured and fine at 
telling stories. 

At nineteen years of age he made his first trip down the 
Mississippi on a flat boat. This was a big event in his life. 
The rushing water, the hard work, and his rough com- 
panions pleased him. On one of these trips he saw a slave 
gang for the first time. Slaves sold in the market and 
marching to work under their new masters was a new sight 
to honest Abe. It made him sorry and angry. 'Tf ever I 
get the chance to hit this thing I'll hit it hard !" he exclaimed. 
This was the beginning of his hatred of slavery. 

Soon after this his father moved to Illinois. The young 
man was tired of this never-ending moving and breaking 
new land for a new home. He told his father that he would 
work for him one year more, and then he would begin to 
work for himself. That year the two men built a log hut, 
spht rails to fence in ten acres of land, ploughed the fields, 
and planted corn. At the end of the year Lincoln left the 
farm. 

When Abe was twenty-three years old an Indian Chief, 
'' Black Hawk," made war on the white people. Volun- 
^v.ers were called for and Lincoln enhsted at once. He was 
made a Captain. When the short war was over he returned 
to his home. 

What should he now do for a living? An opening in a 
blacksmith shop was offered him. He refused it. He opened 
a store. The store failed. He decided to become a law- 
yer. 



224 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

I CERTIFY, that '^tZo^Cr*^ ^/^ <i/^U^€xs^ Tolunlecred and served 

(^ CZ^ y^-^^-C /^SZSEl- '" ^^ Cothpany of Mounted Volunteers under my 

command, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel M. Thompson, in the Brigade under the com- 
mand of Generals S. Whiteside and H. Atkinson, called into the service of the United States by 
the Commander-iflrChief of the Militia of the State, for the protection of the North Western Frontier 
againet an Invasion of the British Band of Sac and other tribes of Indians, — that he was enrolled on the 
^/"^^of .J(^'^^Ut'<jC 1832, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED on th» 
y'^ day of >^^.<cc, thereafter, having served ^"^f 0<c<-^^ 

Given under my hand, this (^/ day of ^^..jL^^S^Ci^i^ ^-e^%r 1532 

Discharge paper given by Lincoln as Captain of Militia. 

During the day Lincoln worked at odd jobs, at night he 
studied law. He had few books. Once he heard of a man 
who had a set of law books. That night he walked many 
miles to borrow them. When he was twenty-eight years 
old he passed his examinations and became a lawyer. 

As a lawyer Lincoln rode the circuit, attending court in 
the various towns of his district. He was never a great 
lawyer, but he was always able to state his case clearly 
and forcefully. This ability usually made him win his 
cases. 

Lincoln, the lawyer, became interested in politics. He 
was elected to the state legislature and to the national 
Congress. He was preparing for his life's work. 

Throughout the country men and women were taking 
sides on slavery. In the North and West many people 
thought slavery wrong. They thought that no one had the 
right to own another human being. In the South most of 
the people thought slavery was right. To them the negro 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN 225 

slave was only an animal. They trained him to work for 
them just as they trained their horses and cattle. 

As time went on the feeling against slavery became 
much stronger in the North. The South feared the North 
would try to free their slaves, so slave owners were making 
ready to leave the union of states. 

In i860 it was time to choose a new president. Every 
one was much excited. The great political party split into 
two parts — a northern Democratic party and a southern 
one. The people opposed to slavery formed a new party. 
It was called the Republican party. 

Each of these three parties named a man for President. 
The Republicans named Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was 
elected. 

At this time Lincoln's views on slavery were well known. 
The South had decided to leave the Union if he were elected. 
News of his election reached them. They prepared to form 
their own government. 

Lincoln told them he would not touch slavery in their 
states, but the South did not believe him. Lincoln tried 
to avoid a conflict, but finally in one of the states. South 
Carolina, State troops fired on the stars and stripes floating 
over Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor. This was the 
beginning of the War of the Rebellion. 

For four long years the North and the South fought on 
many battlefields. The northern men fought to save the 
union, the southern men to break it. Lincoln's strong hand 
guided the North. 

In the middle of the great contest Lincoln decided that 
the time had come to free the slaves in the southern states. 
15 



226 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

A great battle was fought at Antietam. The Union forces 
won. The next day Lincohi read his "Emancipation Proc- 
lamation." This was a paper stating that the slaves were 
free in all the warring states. 

Fighting still went on. The southern army invaded 
Pennsylvania. They advanced to Gettysburg. There the 
northern forces met them. For three days the battle raged. 
At the end of the third day the defeated southern troops 
hurried back to Virginia. This was the high- water mark of 
the Rebelhon. 

Full of sorrow and pain at the thought of so many men 
dying for their country President Lincoln went to Gettys- 
burg. While on the train he wrote a speech that came 
straight from his heart. Standing in a field made sacred 
by the blood of the men who fell there Lincoln delivered his 
"Address." It was one of the greatest short speeches in 
history. 

When he had finished speaking there was no applause. 
Each heart was too full. The beautiful words and thoughts 
carried all who heard them back through the war. At the 
same time the speech made the people look forward to suc- 
cess and to "resolve that these dead shall not have died in 
vain — and that government by the people and for the people 
shall not perish from the earth." Some day you will read 
and appreciate this beautiful speech. 

A little more than a year passed. The war was over. 
The North had won. One evening, tired and weary from 
the four long years of care and worry, Lincoln went to the 
theatre with his wife and friends. The party was seated in 
a box enjoying the play. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN 227 

A young actor, John Wilkes Booth, quietly entered the 
box from the rear. Going close to the President he shot 
him in the head. With a huge knife he stabbed a member of 
the party and jumped on to the stage. His spur caught in 
the draperies. He fell and broke his leg. Staggering to his 
feet and waving the bloody knife, he shouted "Sic semper 
tyrannis" (So always to tyrants) and fled. 

The crowd was amazed. For a minute no one moved. 
The miscreant, in spite of his broken leg, made his escape. 

Doctors rushed to the President's side. He was tenderly 
carried to a small house across the street. All night long 
the doctors worked. They could do nothing. In the early 
morning Abraham Lincoln died for his country. 

Soldiers searched the surrounding country for his mur- 
derer. He was found in an old barn. After a desperate 
fight he was shot and killed. 

The news of Lincoln's death traveled rapidly over the 
nation. Everywhere there was sorrow and gloom. Lin- 
coln's body lay in state in Washington. The funeral train 
passed through Philadelphia. Lincoln lay in state in Inde- 
pendence Hall, and was seen by thousands of Philadelphia's 
citizens. He was buried in Illinois. 

Lincoln, the boy rail-splitter, became Lincoln, the Presi- 
dent. He gave his best to his country. In our memories he 
stands with Washington. Washington started our country 
toward success; Lincoln saved it from destruction. 



ULYSSES S. GRANT 

1822-1885 



TWTANY years ago a strong English family sailed from 
^^•^ England to Massachusetts. These sturdy Puritans 
scattered throughout the country. One of their descendants 
traveled westward to the new state of Ohio. 

Here in a small town on an April day the great miHtary 
leader, Ulysses S. Grant, was born. Ulysses' father owned 
a large tannery and farm in Ohio. There was plenty of 
work in the tannery and on the farm. All the family helped. 

WHien Ulysses was eight years old he drove a team from 
the woods to the house, hauling the winter's supply of fire- 
wood. He liked this job, for he was driving horses. He 
loved horses, and was willing to do anything to handle them. 

When eleven years old he ploughed the fields, and until 
he was seventeen he did all the farm work that made him 
use horses. 

Ulysses soon learned to ride. Sometimes he used a sad- 
dle, at other times he rode bareback. He practised stunts. 
One day he surprised his family by galloping past standing 
erect on his horse. 

The boy's hfe was not always full of work. Grant went 
to school and worked at the three R's, some days indus- 
triously, some days lazily. Work and play alternated. 

228 



ULYSSES S. GRANT 229 

Fishing and hunting were always permitted, while winter 
time brought the joys of skating and sleighing. 

Three years of his life were spent in a kind of preparatory 
school a few miles from his home. "I was not always 
studious," says Grant. 

Father Grant was proud of his son. He thought that 
some day Ulysses would be a great man. The neighbors, 
however, thought that the boy would never amount to much. 

During vacations and after school hours Ulysses worked 
in the tan yard sorting bark or cleaning skins. How he 
hated that place! 

''What do you want to do?" said his father one day. 

'1 want to go to college," replied the boy. 

Father Grant was willing to please the boy. He could 
not afford to send him to college. 

His father thought and thought. "Perhaps I can get 
him an appointment to West Point," thought he. 

Through a friend an appointment to the Military 
Academy was secured. In 1839 Ulysses, then seventeen 
years old, started on the long journey from Ohio to West 
Point. That journey was a big event in the boy's life. He 
had never before been far from home. He traveled on 
horseback, in stage-coaches, canal-boats, railroad, and 
finally in a steamboat. The close of the eventful trip brought 
him to the famous Military Academy on the Hudson River. 

In the Academy Grant showed no promise of future 
greatness. He passed all his examinations, but that was all. 
In horsemanship, however, he surpassed all his class. In 
1843 he was graduated and assigned to the Fourth United 
States Infantry as second lieutenant. 



230 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

After a three months' vacation the young Heu tenant 
went to St. Louis to join his regiment. Garrison Hfe was 
dull. Each day saw the same duties done. Advancement 
seemed impossible. He decided to resign. 

Just at this time the Mexican War began. Grant at 
once changed his mind. Here was a chance for work, ex- 
citement, adventure, and promotion. 

First he was sent to the Rio Grande with General 
Taylor. Later he was with General Scott in the march 
through Mexico to its capital city. Grant was in nearly 
every battle in the war. He served with bravery and honor, 
and was promoted to first lieutenant. 

After the war his regiment was sent to California. 
On the coast, away from friends and loved ones, the lonely 
young man spent several years. He was made a captain. 
Six years after the close of the Mexican War he left the 
army to return to his wife, whom he had married during the 
war. 

Returning to St. Louis, his father-in-law gave him a 
large farm. Early and late he worked to make a living for 
his family. A fever seized him. He was sick a long time. 
There was no one to work the farm. The crops failed. 

Selling the farm. Grant tried business. This was also 
a failure. Discouraged, he took his family to his father's 
home. The firm of Grant & Sons gave him work in its 
tannery as bookkeeper. His army experience was a great 
help. Success in business seemed near. 

The clouds of war, however, were gathering. Thicker 
and thicker they grew until the storm burst. Grant offered 
his services to his country. ''We have a government, and 



ULYSSES S. GRANT 231 

laws, and a flag, and they must all be sustained," said he. 
His application for a commission in the regular army was 
never answered. 

While waiting for the answer he became mustering 
officer for the volunteers of his state, Illinois. 

For several months Grant waited for his commission. 
No word came. He was anxious to serve. What should he 
do? The answer came from Illinois. A regiment had been 
formed and its colonel appointed. Nothing went right. 
The colonel knew nothing of military affairs. In despair, 
he resigned. Friends made the governor of the state think 
of Captain Grant. ''Will you accept a commission as 
colonel of the 21st Illinois?" was the message sent Captain 
Grant. Joyfully and gratefully he took the position. 

The regiment was in disorder. No one knew how to 
stand in proper formation. The new colonel meant business 
and he knew how. In a few weeks the disorderly mob be- 
came a disciplined regiment. 

Grant and his regiment were sent to Missouri. Here 
his services were so valuable that President Lincoln made 
him a brigadier-general of volunteers. The new general 
was placed in command of the campaign in southern Mis- 
souri. 

One of the big things to be done in the West was to 
drive the Southern forces away from the Mississippi River. 
General Grant directed nearly all of the fighting along this 
great river. His first point of attack was Fort Henry. 
This fort was on the Tennessee River, near where it flows into 
the Ohio. 

A fleet of gunboats sailed up the Ohio while Grant and 



232 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

his forces marched overland to attack the fort. The fort 
fell before this united attack. 

Not far away was a stronger fort, called Fort Donelson. 
The combined forces moved against this. Donelson, how- 
ever, was on a high bluff. The guns of the boats could not 
reach it. Grant skilfully placed his army around the fort. 
Supplies became scarce in the besieged place. 

"What terms will you give?" asked the Confederate 
commander. 

''No terms but immediate and unconditional surrender," 
was General Grant's prompt answer. His initials now stood 
for a new name — ''Unconditional Surrender" Grant! And 
on these terms Fort Donelson surrendered. 

The fall of these two forts put new heart in the Union 
forces. It was good news after the many failures in Vir- 
ginia. Lincoln said: "I like Grant. He works." So he 
commissioned the victor a major-general. 

Grant steadily forced the Confederates away from the 
Mississippi. Vicksburg was the key to the river. Ad- 
vancing toward the stronghold. Grant's force laid siege to 
the fort. 

They tried to capture it a number of times, but were re- 
pulsed. They persisted. For seven weeks the Union forces 
poured shot and shell all day and all night into Vicksburg. 
People there had to live in caves to escape death. On 
July 4, 1863, the fort surrendered. Lincoln said, "The 
Father of Waters now flows unvexed to the sea." 

From Vicksburg Grant hurried to raise the siege at 
Chattanooga. His success pleased Lincoln. He had found 
a man who really did things. Here was the man to finish 




Ulysses S. Grant. 



From wood engraving in 
"Harper's Magazine," 1885. 



234 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

the task. He made Grant lieutenant-general and com- 
mander of the Union armies. 

The new commander decided to go to Virginia. On 
reaching that state he filled his army with enthusiasm. 
He hurled them at the Confederates. Many brave men gave 
their lives for their country. Each foot of land was hotly 
contested. Grant ever pushed on. 

On a day in April, 1865, the Confederate army, worn and 
weary, without food and with little ammunition, surren- 
dered to General Grant, and the great conflict was over. 

Grant, however, was not flushed with victory. He looked 
at General Lee, the Confederate commander. He thought 
of the hardy men who had fought so bravely against him 
and failed. Sympathy and kindness filled his heart. Then 
he told General Lee the terms of the surrender. Such 
generous terms had never before been given by the con- 
queror to the conquered. 

'^All the officers and men are to take an oath not to fight 
again. The officers are to keep their swords; the men their 
horses and mules. All are to go back to their homes and 
begin life over again." 

As the boys in gray marched past to give up their 
guns the boys in blue stood silently at salute. No cheers, 
no guns, nothing but perfect quiet greeted the surrender of 
the brave Southerners. They, too, were Americans. 

On May 23 to 24, 1866, General Grant reviewed his 
army for the last time. The grand review was in Wash- 
ington. 

In 1868 General Grant was elected President of the 
United States. He served for eight years. During this 



ULYSSES S. GRANT 235 

time many important laws were passed and the country 
began to recover from the effects of the war. 

Tired out from his campaigns in the war and from the 
duties of President, General Grant planned a long vacation. 
He made a trip around the world. 

On his return he started in business in New York City 
with a Mr. Ward. Ward was a sharper. He traded on 
Grant's name, deceiving and robbing many people. The 
concern failed. After an investigation Grant was reheved 
of any blame, but his savings were gone. 

At this time he became sick. After this he never knew 
a well day. His courage and determination, however, were 
not weakened. He struggled on. Many a day he knew 
not from whence the next day's food would come. He was 
determined, however, to repay his creditors. 

In this extremity a tardy Congress recognized his ser- 
vices. They placed him on the retired army list with his 
former rank of general. 

A publishing house persuaded Grant to write the story 
of his life and work. This book is called his ''Memoirs." 
Day after day he worked long after he was unable to talk 
at all. ''Never give up" was always his motto. He plodded 
on until the work was finished. 

Soon after the "Memoirs" was finished he grew weaker. 
Nothing could be done to cure his disease, and he died July 
23, 1885. His remains now rest in a massive, handsome 
tomb on the banks of the Hudson River, in Riverside 
Park, New York City. 

A united country today honors the man who led his 
forces to victory and so recemented the bonds of the Union. 



JAY COOKE 

1821-1905 



"PENNSYLVANIA, the Keystone State, has given many 
-*" sons and daughters to aid our country. During at 
least three great wars Pennsylvania men have stepped for- 
ward and helped with money matters. 

During the Revolution Robert Morris carried the finan- 
cial burden. At a critical moment in the War of 18^2 
Stephen Girard bought millions of dollars worth of bonds 
and saved our credit. Again in the War of the Rebellion 
Jay Cooke organized committees and sold bonds for the 
nation. 

Curiously enough, none of these men was born in Penn- 
sylvania. Robert Morris was English; Stephen Girard, 
French, while Jay Cooke was born in Ohio. 

Cooke's native place was a small frontier town. The 
surrounding country was covered with forests. In the woods 
were many Indians. The chief of one of the tribes was 
named Ogontz. He liked Jay. Many a time did he carry 
the small boy on his shoulders. 

Jay's father was a well-known citizen of the town. 
As his father was wealthy, Jay went to the best schools. 
At night his grandfather drilled him in his studies. 

Like all country boys, he had many chores to do. Each 
morning at sunrise he was in the barn feeding the horses and 

336 



JAY COOKE 237 

COWS. After breakfast there was wood to saw, split, and 
carry in. 

With all these duties Jay had plenty of time to play. 
He wandered in the woods, hunted, and went fishing. When 
tired of outdoor life he sat reading in his father's well-filled 
library. 

Boys in those times began to work when quite young. 
He was fourteen years old when he obtained his first job. 
This was in a country store. 

About this time he joined a boy's debating club. After 
work was over they met and talked over the leading ques- 
tions of the day. Of course they talked about slavery. 
Many of the boys were in favor of slavery; some of them, 
including Jay Cooke, wxre opposed to it. 

In 1836 the youth left Ohio to take a position in St. 
Louis. He was to receive $600 a year. At that time St. 
Louis was a small town whose people were mostly French 
and Indians. He stayed here but a few months. 

His brother-in-law, Mr. Moorhead, started a freight and 
passenger line from Philadelphia to Ohio. The route was 
partly stage, partly canal boat, and partly railroad. Need- 
ing help in Philadelphia, Moorhead sent for Jay. Jay was 
to sell tickets, attend to the advertising, and to secure 
freight for the new line. 

Jay Cooke started East. He reached Philadelphia in 
1838 just in time to see the burning of the old Pennsyl- 
vania Hall by a pro-slavery mob. 

The youth did not stay long. Loneliness overcame him; 
so home he went in the fall of the same year. 

The next year Clark's Banking House, a Philadelphia 



238 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

firm, offered Jay Cooke a position, which he accepted. This 
was his beginning in the banking business. 

Cooke was money counter for the firm. He was fast and 
accurate. His smiUng face and good humor soon made him 
many friends. 

In 1843 J^y Cooke became a member of the firm. His 
investments were good, and he made a small fortune. In 
1857 he left the firm. For the next four years he traveled 
over the country, enjoying a vacation from business worries. 

The beginning of the Civil War brought him home. 

In 1 86 1 he opened a banking house in Philadelphia at 
114 South 3d Street. The business grew and his house soon 
became second in importance only to that of D rex el & Co. 

His first public work was to help his own state. Penn- 
sylvania's credit was very low. The state needed $3,000,000. 
No one wanted to buy the bonds. Jay Cooke quietly visited 
his friends and told them that they must be patriotic. He 
sold the entire loan in a few days. 

This was but the beginning of his work. The great war 
was tearing the nation into two parts. The North had plenty 
of money, but no one wanted to lend it. Each person thought 
that the government might be defeated. They might never 
see their money again. So they tightly buttoned up their 
pockets. 

The Battle of Bull Run was fought. News of the defeat 
of the Union forces came to Philadelphia. The time had 
come for patriots to show their colors. 

Jay Cooke made a trip through the city. In a few hours 
he had collected $2,000,000 for the government. 

This was fine! Secretary Chase came to Philadelphia. 



B^^ 


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■H^H^^H^^^^^^^^^^^k -^^^^HSBSSk 9 


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Gutekunst Photo. 



340 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

"Come to New York with me," said he to Cooke, ''you 
must help me organize that city.'' 

Soon after this Cooke was made the sole agent for the 
sale of government bonds. This was a hard task. Many 
people had no faith in the government. Many were opposed 
to the war. A very few bought the bonds. 

Cooke planned his campaign in his home at ''The 
Cedars," in the Chelten Hills. How could he sell the 
bonds? "First," thought he, "I must advertise them. I 
must interest the editors of the newspapers." 

At once agents were sent out. Cooke himself visited 
many of the editors. Little by little the papers followed 
him. At last all the powerful papers were preaching, "Buy 
bonds." 

Still he thought, "Many of our people work all day. 
They cannot go to the banks during the day. I have it. 
Let us open night offices!" 

To think with him was to do. Offices were opened at 
once, and kept open all night. Soon money began to pour 
from the pockets of the workers into the public treasury. 
In 140 days Jay Cooke sold $700,000,000 worth of bonds for 
the government. 

After the war was won Cooke became interested in rail- 
roads. The Union Pacific Railroad had been built. Plans 
were laid for a Southern Pacific line. "Why not a Northern 
Pacific too?" thought Jay Cooke. 

Taking out his maps, he studied the route. Agents were 
sent to the West to examine a possible route. All the re- 
ports were good. Cooke decided to get the money to build 
the new railroad. 



JAY COOKE 241 

With a number of friends he raised $5,000,000 to build a 
portion of the hne. Then bonds were issued. Cooke sold 
a great many, but more money was needed. 

Agents were sent to Europe. They failed. Other agents 
were sent, who succeeded. A golden stream began to pour 
from Europe when a war broke out. The stream stopped. 

Unfortunately for the new line, it needed money most 
when the money stopped coming. No one would lend, the 
government refused its aid, and the railroad failed. 

This was too much for Jay Cooke. Many of his securities 
were in this railroad. His business had weathered many a 
storm, but this was too severe. His banking house closed 
its doors. 

The failure of Jay Cooke & Co. astonished the world. 
Down with it went many firms. Soon the whole country 
was in financial distress. Mr. Cooke wished to take charge 
of his business to re-establish it and pay his creditors. The 
law would not allow him to do this. 

In 1865 during his prosperous days he bought a large 
tract of land in the Chelten Hills. On this he built a mag- 
nificent house. For eighteen months the workmen labored 
and Cooke spent over a million dollars. The magnificent 
house is near Old York Road in Ogontz. Cooke called the 
mansion "Ogontz" in memory of the Indian friend of his 
boyhood days. 

The house contained fifty-two bedrooms. It was built 
of stone quarried near Philadelphia. The wood was bought 
in Philadelphia. All the workmen were Philadelphians. The 
walls were frescoed by a Philadelphia artist and the furni- 
ture made and furnished by a Philadelphia concern. On its 
16 



242 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

walls hung paintings by all the noted Pennsylvania artists. 
Only its carpets were not made in Pennsylvania. They 
were manufactured in Massachusetts. 

In this fine palace Jay Cooke lived and entertained his 
many friends. President Grant was a frequent visitor who 
enjoyed his hospitality. 

After his banking house failed Jay Cooke gave up 
''Ogontz," living in a small cottage. He rented an office 
down town, and worked hard to rebuild his fortune. 

Fortune favored this man. Some time before his failure 
he had bought a share in a silver mine for $3000. This was 
the source of his second fortune. 

The silver mine struck a fine paying vein of silver. The 
output increased. Soon Jay Cooke was receiving $80,000 a 
year from the mine. A few years later he sold his interests 
for $1,000,000. 

One of his first acts was to see that all his debts were 
paid. Then he rebought ''Ogontz." The palace had been 
dismantled. All the furnishings had been sold. He never 
lived in it again. Instead, he gave it almost rent free to a 
school for girls. It is still in active use, and is one of the 
best girls' schools in Pennsylvania. 

Jay Cooke, throughout his long life, was always char- 
itable. On an island in Lake Erie he owned a magnificent 
summer home. It was his custom to send needy clergymen 
to ''Gibraltar," as he called it, for their vacations. He paid 
all of their expenses. 

At his death, in 1905, he was buried in a beautiful mau- 
soleum which he had built on his estate at Ogontz. 



ROBERT E. LEE 

1807-1870 



ONE of the bravest and most brilliant officers America 
has ever produced was General Robert E. Lee. He 
was a native of Virginia. When the Civil War broke out, 
although he opposed secession, he believed that his first 
duty was to Virginia. He chose to fight for his native 
state rather than for the Union. 

Lee lived at Arlington on a beautiful estate just across 
the Potomac River from Washington. During the war this 
estate was seized by the Federal Government. Today it is 
a national soldiers' cemetery. Here repose, in their last 
sleep, thousand of soldiers who gave their lives for their 
country. 

Lee's father was Light Horse Harry Lee of Revolu- 
tionary fame. When the boy Robert was eleven years old 
his father died. Robert attended school in Arlington, pre- 
paring to enter West Point. At eighteen he was a cadet 
in the National Mihtary Academy. 

At West Point he was a model student. All his work 
was well done. His uniform was spotless and his gun 
polished till it shone. He was a joy to the officer in charge 
of inspection. 

The young cadet held, successively, the various offices 
open to the students. At graduation Lee was cadet ad- 

243 



244 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

jutant, the highest honor attainable. He was graduated 
second in a class of 46. 

After graduation he was appointed second lieutenant 
in the Engineers' Corps, a position open only to the best 
students. 

The engineers' work was along the coast lines and near 
the cities. This kept the young lieutenant in the life that 
he liked. He was fond of social life and was as much at 
home in the drawing room as in the barracks. 

Two years after graduation he married Mary Custis. 
His wife was the daughter of the adopted son of George 
Washington. Her grandmother was Martha Custis, George 
Washington's wife. 

While in the Engineers' Corps he was busy planning and 
supervising the strengthening of the coast defences of the 
country. Later he was sent to the Mississippi to assist 
in work to compel the waters of that river to stay in its 
channel. His work has stood the ravages of the river and 
is still in good working order. 

During the Mexican War he served with honor and dis- 
tinction, receiving the hearty approval of General Winfield 
Scott, his commanding ofhcer. 

In 1852 Lee was appointed Superintendent of West 
Point. For three years he directed this military college. 

Relieved from this duty, he went west, a lieutenant 
colonel in the cavalry. About this time Mrs. Lee's father 
died, leaving her his large estate at Arlington. Lee did not 
like the work in the West. The wild life, the lack of social 
activities, contact with the Indians, none of these appealed 
to him. 




Kqbert K. Lee. 



Gutekunst Photo. 



246 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

In 1 86 1 Robert E7Eee reacEed tlie decisive point in his 
life. In April of that year Virginia decided to leave the 
Union. Just before this General Scott sent Mr. Blair to 
Lee, offering him the command of the Union Army. Lee 
replied, "I declined the offer, . . . stating that though op- 
posed to secession and deprecating war, I could take no part 
in an invasion of the Southern States." A few days later 
he resigned from the Federal Army, declaring that he 
would never draw his sword again save in the defense of his 
native state. 

Jefferson Davis was made president of the new govern- 
ment formed by the Southern States. He called Robert 
E. Lee to command the Southern armies in Virginia. 

Most of the battles of the war were fought in Virginia. 
General Lee was soon in command of all the Southern armies. 
He led them to many a victory. For four long years his 
masterly generalship kept the Union forces out of Rich- 
mond. He led his armies into Pennsylvania. The people 
in Philadelphia were filled with dismay. Could the Union 
forces stop his advance? The two armies met at Gettys- 
burg. For three days the battle raged. On the third day 
the torn and shattered Confederate forces were compelled 
to retreat. It was an orderly retreat, General Lee seeing 
his army safely across the Potomac River. 

At the end of the war General Lee was released on his 
promise not to take up arms again against the Union. His 
home was gone, money was scarce, but a kind friend offered 
his family a home in a quiet part of Virginia. He accepted. 

When the news of Lincoln's assassination reached him, 
he denounced it. That kind of warfare had no appeal for 



ROBERT E. LEE 247 

him. He knew also that Lincoln was one of the best friends 
the South could have. 

President Johnson said that all the Southerners could 
apply for pardon. General Lee was one of the first to make 
application. He felt it was his duty. Said he to a friend, 
''If you intend to reside in this country, and wish to do your 
part in the restoration of your state and in the government 
of the country, which I think is the duty of every citizen to 
do, I know of no objections to your taking the amnesty 
oath." From this time on Lee used his influence to bring 
about peace and good will in the South. He tried to heal 
the wounds made by the war, and to create conditions that 
would lead to good relations between the South and the 
North. 

At this time he was asked to become President of Wash- 
ington College. This college had been almost destroyed 
during the war. Lee accepted the trust. Under his wise 
administration the college recovered rapidly. He was per- 
sonally interested in each student. Here he had a fine 
chance to teach them to forget the old sores of the war and 
to look forward to peaceful relations with their northern 
friends. He served the college faithfully until his death 
in 1870. 

General Lee was a great man. He fought valiantly in 
a lost cause, but when the struggle was over, realizing that 
the cause was lost, he threw himself heart and soul into the 
work of restoring his state to the Union. 



GROVER CLEVELAND 

1837-1908 



IN this great, free country every boy or girl may have a 
chance if he only takes it. Neither poverty nor riches 
lead to greatness. For those who try hard enough, work 
hard enough and keep at it, success awaits. 

A boy who worked and tried was Grover Cleveland. His 
father was a Presbyterian minister in a small country town. 
At no time in his early life was there much money in the 
house. Grover was born in New Jersey in 1837 and when he 
was four years old his family moved to the state in which 
he became famous — New York. 

That journey was much unlike our travels today. By 
stage-coach they journeyed to the Hudson River, then on 
the ferry-boat to New York City. In the city they boarded 
a sailing boat to Albany. At Albany a mule-drawn packet 
boat carried them on Erie Canal to a small town near their 
new home. The journey was almost over. A few miles in 
a stage-coach, and there they were. 

Grover's new home was a two-story frame house, just 
across the road from a good Academy. His brothers and 
sisters went there, but Grover was too young. He attended 
a pubHc school until he was old enough to enter the Academy. 

The youth was a diligent student. He early learned the 

248 



GROVER CLEVELAND 249 

value of time and of hard work. His greatest desire was to 
go to college. This was not to be. 

One day his parents were talking about money matters. 
Grover listened to their talk. The next day he secured a 
job in a country store. All day long he worked in the store 
and at night he read and studied. 

His father's health failed. The minister secured a posi- 
tion that took less energy. Grover went to visit an uncle in 
Buffalo. He spent all his money, and had to work his way 
home on the canal-boats. 

Again his father's health failed. He had to stop work. 
Suddenly he died. The members of his congregations re- 
membered the good man who had worked so hard for them. 
Money was raised. A house was bought and given to 
Mother Cleveland 

Grover was now sixteen years old. Leaving home, he 
went to the great city. In New York he secured a position 
as bookkeeper and assistant teacher in a school for the blind. 
There was little chance for advancement. He decided to go 
west and grow up with the country. 

He went to his home for a visit. He had little money, 
not enough to pay his expenses west. A friend loaned him 
$25. Said his friend, ''When you are able to repay me, give 
the $25 to some other young man to start him in life." 

With a friend Cleveland started west. Reaching Buf- 
falo, he decided to call on his uncle. His uncle was a lawyer 
and lived on a large stock farm. ''Don't go west!" said he. 
"Stay here with me. Help me on the farm and with this 
book I am writing. I'll give you a chance to study law." 
Grover stayed. 



2SO HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Some time after this Grover's uncle secured him a posi- 
tion in a lawyer's office. He was to have no pay until he 
proved he was worth something. One day the lawyer 
placed a law book in his hand. ''Read it," said he. This 
was the beginning of his law studies. 

His habits of work, formed when a little boy, now helped 
him. He studied until he was able to pass his examinations 
and became a lawyer when twenty-two years old. His em- 
ployers trusted him in all things, and he became manager 
of their office at a salary of $1000 a year. 

His uncle's farm was two miles from the city. Cleveland 
thought the four-mile daily walk took too much time. He 
rented a room in an attic near his office. Each night found 
him hard at work over his books until very late. Each day 
he was up early and at work. 

When he was twenty-one years old he cast his vote 
for the Democratic party. All his life he worked for its 
aims. From the beginning he was interested in politics, 
helping at the polls. 

About this time excitement was ever3rwhere. The coun- 
try was divided. Lincoln was running for President. War 
was in the air. 

Cleveland's two brothers entered the army, but he stayed 
home to take care of his mother. Soon after this he was 
appointed Assistant District Attorney at Buffalo. His work 
in this office was good. When the District Attorney's term 
was over Cleveland was nominated, but the Republicans 
won that time. He returned to his private practice. 

Political affairs in Buffalo were in bad s' ape. Graft and 
dishonesty were everywhere. This was most true in the 




Grover Cleveland. 



Photo, by 
Underwood & Underwood. 



252 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

sheriff's office. Many good citizens in Buffalo decided that 
these bad things must be changed. Whom should they 
choose to make them better? They selected Grover Cleve- 
land. 

Without asking his consent, they made him sheriff. 
Cleveland worked day and night. Friends and foes were 
treated with justice. Graft disappeared from the office. 
The people of Buffalo had an honest, steadfast officer at last. 

When his term of office was over he began his law prac- 
tice again. Many cases came to him and he made money. 
His kind heart, however, kept him poor. Frequently he 
paid the court expenses for a poor client and charged no fee. 

The story is told of a poor woman who came to him for 
help. Her husband was sick. She had no money. Interest 
on her mortgage was due. The holder of the mortgage 
threatened to put her and her sick husband in the street. 
Cleveland heard her story; told her to sit still, and went to 
his bank. Drawing out $1400, he paid the mortgage and sent 
the poor woman home rejoicing. 

Buffalo was a strong Republican city. For many years 
its mayors had been corrupt. The people were weary of the 
rottenness. Democrats and Republicans united. They 
elected Cleveland mayor of the city. This was in 1882. 

Cleveland's first act was to clean up the city. Then he 
compelled the city councils to provide good sewers. Daily 
he watched the people's interests. So strong was he and 
such good work did he that before his term of office was over 
he was elected Governor of the state of New York. 

While governor he still kept watch on the people's 
interests. Many bills were passed that would rob the peo- 



GROVER CLEVELAND 253 

pie. Cleveland vetoed them all. To him the state was a 
client and he the lawyer. His duty was to protect the 
state. 

Said one of the plain citizens of Albany, 'This new 
governor's a hard-working sort of man. Doesn't make any 
fuss either. He walks too; doesn't seem to have any use 
for a carriage." 

A presidential election was near. For many years the 
Republican party had elected the presidents. A change was 
coming. The people of the United States liked the hard- 
working, honest governor of New York. They elected him 
President. 

On March 4, 1885, Cleveland took the oath of office in 
Washington, and began his work. 

In Washington he was the same as in Albany. No work 
was too hard for him. No effort too great to serve the 
people and protect their interests. 

While President he was married. This was the first 
wedding in the White House. A great time was made over 
it all over the United States. 

At the end of four years he was defeated for the presi- 
dency by Benjamin Harrison. But at the next election he 
was again chosen President. 

During his second term serious troubles started between 
Venezuela and British Guiana about boundaries. Great 
Britain sided with British Guiana. She threatened to send 
ships to make Venezuela yield. President Cleveland said 
*'No! Venezuela and Guiana must reach their own agree- 
ment. England cannot interfere over here." 

For a time the situation was serious, and nearly led to war. 



254 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Cleveland insisted that England must not interfere. Finally 
England agreed. The boundary line was fixed peacefully 
and the trouble was over. 

At the end of his second administration Cleveland re- 
tired to private life. He spent his time in study, law prac- 
tice, and in fishing and hunting. He was one of the greatest 
fishermen of his day. 

In 1908 he died peacefully at his home. Cleveland 
throughout his life was honest and trustworthy. In one of 
his speeches he said, "A public office is a public trust." 
This was his motto at all times. He worked for the people 
as he worked for himself. His was a Hfe of courage, truth- 
fulness, and honesty. 



WILLIAM Mckinley 

1843-1901 



OHIO has been the birthplace of many of our heroes. 
Many years ago, in one of its Kttle towns, the boy 
WilHam McKinley was born. He was a lovable child, 
full of sympathy for his friends and for animals. As he 
grew larger, his friendships grew also. Those who knew 
him loved him. 

His father was manager of an iron furnace. To give 
the boy a better education he moved eleven miles away 
from his work. Each day he went back and forth. 

Wilham worked hard in school, studying his lessons care- 
fully. He was a real boy. He liked marbles, made kites, 
was a good shot with a bow and arrow. When the snow was 
off the ground he was the first to go barefoot. How he 
showed his stubbed toes or his stone bruises! What pride 
he had in these evidences of boydom. Above all, he liked 
swimming. 

While he played hard, he also worked hard. Theodore 
Roosevelt once said in Philadelphia, ''Boys, when you play, 
play hard! When you work, work hard!" McKinley lived 
these words. 

At the age of seventeen McKinley enlisted to serve in the 
Civil War. The young private fought with the Army of the 
Potomac at Antietam. Later, as lieutenant, he was with 

255 



256 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY . 

Sheridan at Winchester. At the close of the war he was a 
major. 

At thirty-three McKinley was a Congressman. He 
served many years in the United States Congress. His 
services were so fine that he became known all over the" 
country. While in Congress he proposed a law that is 
now called the "McKinley Tariff Law." Many people 
think this law helped make our country prosperous. 

In 1 89 1 McKinley was elected Governor of Ohio. He 
served his people so well that he was re-elected for a second 
term. In 1896 the people of our nation chose him for their 
president. In 1900 he was re-elected. ; 

During his administration troubles in Cuba became un- 
bearable. Spain for many years had been treating the 
Cubans harshly. The poor people were almost slaves. 
Troops were sent to Cuba by Spain. These troops killed 
many of the people. 

Our country could not permit this to go on. The battle- 
ship ''Maine" was sent to Cuba on a friendly mission. 
While lying in Havana harbor it was blown up. At once> 
the American people demanded war. The destruction of 
the ship, combined with the Spanish cruelties in Cuba, was 
too much. 

War was declared. Men hurried to enlist. Our battle- 
ships put to sea. On the other side of the world Spain had 
colonies called the Philippines. Admiral Dewey, in com- 
mand of the American ships, attacked the Spaniards at 
Manila Bay. Without the loss of a ship the Americans won. 
The Philippines were taken from Spain. 

In Cuba our forces defeated the Spaniards in several 




William McKiNLEY. Underwood & Underwood. 



258 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

battles, the most important being at San Juan. In this 
battle Colonel Roosevelt, at the head of his rough riders, 
stormed the hill and helped win the battle. 

On the sea our ships defeated and sunk most of the 
Spanish navy near Santiago, Cuba. 

In one hundred days the war was over. Spain was 
defeated and her cruelties in the New World brought to an 
end. 

In the treaty of peace America received Porto Rico and 
the Philippines. We agreed to be guardians for Cuba. 
We also agreed to pay Spain some money for the buildings 
she had in her former possessions. 

During the war Hawaii asked to become part of the 
United States. Her request was granted and those beautiful 
islands became part of our country. 

Soon after Major McKinley returned from service in 
the Civil War he was married. Mrs. McKinley's father 
gave them a beautiful home in Canton, Ohio. This was 
McKinley's most loved place. The couple had two chil- 
dren, but both died. After the death of the second child 
Mrs. McKinley became an invalid. From that time on she 
never knew a well day. 

McKinley's home life was charming. He adored his 
wife and never missed a chance to show his love. Here 
we see him at his best. His loving, sympathetic nature 
caused him to strive to make her happy and comfortable. 

Shortly after his re-election to the presidency a great 
exposition was opened at Buffalo, New York. This was 
the Pan-American Exposition. McKinley was invited tc 
make an address and to open the Exposition. 



WILLIAM Mckinley 259 

The President went to Buffalo. There he made one of 
his greatest speeches. The next day a pubHc reception 
was given him. Standing in the Temple of Music, the crowd 
filed slowly by him. McKinley had a pleasant smile and 
a handshake for all. 

A small well-dressed man approached. His right hand 
seemed injured. He carried it against his breast, covered 
with a handkerchief. He approached the President. 
Slowly he extended his left hand. President McKinley 
grasped it. From the handkerchief-covered hand the villain 
fired a pistol, striking McKinley in the breast. He fired 
again. Another bullet hit the President in the abdomen. 

Sorely wounded, McKinley dropped into the arms of a 
friend. A burly detective knocked the assassin to the 
floor. Soldiers jumped on him and pounded him. Our 
wounded President, turning slightly, murmured, "Don't 
let them hurt him." 

Crowds gathered. Cries of ''Lynch him" were heard. 
Quickly the soldiers formed around the cowardly assassin. 
They hurried him to jail. He was tried, found guilty, and 
executed. 

Meanwhile McKinley was carried to a hospital. Skilled 
doctors worked over him. They hoped to save his life. 
For several days he lay in agony. Hopeful news came from 
the sick room. He rallied under the treatment, and then 
collapsed. Eight days after the shooting McKinley died. 

The whole country was plunged in sorrow. His bravery 
in his last illness; the pathetic figure of his sick wife, appealed 
to everyone. For a few days his body lay in state in Buffalo. 
From there it was taken to Washington. At the Capitol 



26o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

he lay on the same bier that had held Lincoln and Garfield. 
He was buried at his home in Canton, Ohio. 

Our country still carries him in its heart. Once a year 
it is the custom to place carnations on his grave and on his 
statues. 

''It was his lovable nature, his though tfulness for others, 
his consideration of their feelings, and his constant desire 
to aid others that made him loved." 



CLARA BARTON 

1821-1914 



ALL England loves the memory of the brave Florence 
Nightingale who risked her Hfe to serve her country- 
men on the battlefields of the Crimea. In America all 
hearts turn in loving admiration to Clara Barton, who 
during the terrible Civil War calmly moved on the battle- 
fields giving aid and comfort to the wounded and dying. 

Clara Barton was a daughter of Massachusetts. Her 
father, an Indian fighter under General Anthony Wayne, 
often told her stories about his adventures with the Indians. 

Clara's brothers taught her mathematics and to ride 
horses; her sisters led her in the other paths of learning. 
She became a teacher, and opened the first free school in 
New Jersey at Bordentown, continuing until too ill to 
teach. Leaving the school, she secured a position as head 
clerk in the Patent Ofhce at Washington. 

Clara Barton worked in this ofhce until the Civil War 
broke out in 1861. Then she volunteered as nurse to work 
on the battlefields. 

During the Peninsular Campaign she worked with the 
Union forces under McClellan. Daily she was on the field 
of battle helping care for the wounded. Frightful scenes 
were all around her. Undaunted, she went steadily from 

261 



262 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

one wounded man to another, binding the wounds of one, 
giving water to another, or receiving the last message of 
those about to die. Friend and foe alike, she cared for. 

For eight months Clara Barton worked in hospitals on 
Morris Island during the siege of Charleston. She was with 
Grant in the terrible campaign in the Wilderness, and was 
an angel of mercy to many a suffering Union or Confederate 
soldier. 

In the last year of the war Clara Barton was head nurse 
in the hospital at the front with the Army of the Potomac. 
Here she rendered distinguished services in her management 
of the supplies and in the care of the suffering. 

After the war Miss Barton undertook to search for the 
four thousand missing men. She visited Andersonville 
prison, laying out the national soldiers' cemetery, and 
marking with little stones the graves of twelve thousand 
nine hundred soldiers of the Union. Over those of four 
hundred more tablets were placed graven with the sad 
word, "Unknown." 

Clara Barton spent four years locating the missing 
soldiers. Afterward she went to Switzerland to rest. 

~ In Switzerland a new society, called the Red Cross 
Society, had been organized. This society had permission 
from all European countries to work on any battlefield 
without hindrance. They planned to be a band of mercy 
to friend and foe alike. 

Miss Barton became interested. She enhsted in the 
work during the Franco-Prussian War. After the siege of 
Strassburg she worked day and night caring for the wounded. 

In 1873, on her return to America, she requested Con- 




Clara Barton. 



Photo, by 
Underwood & Underwood. 



264 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

gress to join the European nations in the agreement about 
Red Cross work. For eight years she worked to interest 
Congress. Then she organized the American Red Cross 
Society, becoming its first president. 

The Red Cross was a war society. Clara Barton thought 
that there was work in peace times also. She proposed to 
change their constitution. ''Wars come infrequently, but 
accidents happen all the time. Let us plan to give help 
in all great calamities. Let this society plan to help those 
who suffer from floods, famine, fires, earthquakes, or any 
other great accident," said Miss Barton. The idea was 
accepted at once. The constitution was changed and the 
society made ready to do still greater work. 

The organization was soon to be tested. In Michigan 
forest fires caused great destruction. The Red Cross 
Society at once sent nurses, other helpers, and money. 
Floods destroyed portions of the Mississippi Valley; again 
the society was active. The Charleston earthquake and 
the Johnstown flood found the American Red Cross on 
the ground ready and willing to help. 

The great famine in Russia in 1891-92 taxed the resources 
of this country. From all over the United States money 
and food were given. The American Red Cross Society 
saw that this help was given to the right people. During 
the Armenian Massacres even the Sultan of Turkey finally 
accepted Miss Barton's aid. 

In 1898 President McKinley sent her to Cuba to super- 
vise the help given to those starving people. She was 
there during the Spanish-American War, working on the 
battlefields among the wounded. 



CLARA BARTON 



265 



In her eightieth year a terrible tidal wave wiped out 
the city of Galveston. Forgetting her age and weakness, 
she hurried to the stricken city. There she directed the 
work of the Red Cross until her strength gave way. Illness 
compelled her to retire from active work. She made her 
home in Maryland, where she died (1914). 

Miss Barton did not live to see her organization put to 
the greatest test of its existence. In the great European War 
just ended the American Red Cross was on every battle- 
field and in every country, giving aid and comfort to the 
afflicted. It stands today a living monument to the genius 
of Miss Barton. 



FRANCES E. WILLARD 

1839-1898 



TV/TANY, many years ago men and women always drank 
•^^-^ wines and liquors at meals. It was an ordinary, 
every-day affair for men to become drunk at the table. 

As man grew wiser and thought more clearly he saw 
that this injured him. As men worked more indoors they 
saw that they must stop drinking. 

This temperance movement, as it was called, gradually 
grew big. One of the chief leaders in the movement was 
Frances E. Willard, a native of New York State. 

Her father was of English descent, and brave and strong. 
Her mother was a woman of strong intellect and power. 
Francis inherited these qualities from her parents. 

When she was two years old the family moved to Ohio, 
and three years later to the frontiers of Wisconsin. 

Her early life was spent in the open air, giving her a 
strong body, which prepared her for her great life work. 

There were no schools near her home. Her mother was 
her teacher, occasionally helped by a governess. When 
Frances was ready for college the family moved to Evanston, 
Illinois. She successfully finished the course at Evanston 
and became a teacher. 

266 



FRANCES E. WILLARD 267 

About this time her father, sister, and brother died. 
This left her alone with her mother. The two women 
made their home in Evanston, living in the cottage built 
by her father. Frances called it "Rest Cottage." 

For ten years Frances Willard taught in various schools 
and colleges, supporting herself and mother. 

When twenty-nine years old she visited Europe, spending 
two years in travel and study, still preparing for her great 
work in temperance. 

On her return to America Frances Willard was made 
President of Evanston College for Women. For the first 
time in the world's history a woman was made a college 
president. She conducted the college with skill and ability. 
When the college was united with Northwestern University 
she was made Dean of the women's department. 

About this time the women of Ohio were starting an 
energetic fight against the liquor traffic. A society was 
formed, called the Women's Christian Temperance Union. 

Miss Willard resigned her college position and entered 
into the work with enthusiasm. She traveled all over the 
United States, visiting every large city and many of the 
smaller ones. She lectured against liquor, addressing meet- 
ings everywhere. 

In 1879 she was made President of the organization. 
From this time on she gave all her time and energ>^ to 
temperance work. For years she labored without salary. 

'Tf a temperance union can be successful in America, 
why not a union for all the world?" thought she. Toward 
this end she worked until the World's Woman's Christian 
Temperance Union was formed. 



268 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY 

Temperance work was progressing rapidly. In many of 
the states the movement gained great headway. In some 
prohibition laws were passed. 

' In 1893, at the Columbia Exposition in Chicago, dele- 
gates came from all over the world to talk about temperance. 
They wished to find some way to stop the reign of King 
Alcohol. Miss Willard was made chairman of the World's 
Temperance Convention. 

Lady Henry Somerset, an English lady interested in 
temperance, visited Miss Willard. They talked long and 
earnestly together. Lady Somerset wanted Miss Willard 
to visit England to help her in the work. Finally she 
persuaded her to go. 

In England Miss Willard was given a great welcome. 
She talked to many audiences, telling them of the need of 
temperance. She won their hearts by her gentleness and 
earnestness and by her fine gift of oratory. 

Four years later a great convention was held in London. 
Representatives from all nations gathered together. Miss 
Willard and Lady Somerset presided. A monster petition 
was prepared. It had seven million names signed to it. 
This petition was sent to all the nations. It requested them 
to restrict the sale of intoxicating liquors and of opium. 

The nations were not yet ready for this. None accepted. 
It did not fail utterly however. It aroused public opinion 
and made a great many people think about temperance. 

Miss Willard had many interests besides her temperance 
activities. She wrote several books, many magazine articles, 
and numerous accounts for the papers. 

The White Cross and the White Shield Societies received 



HEROES OF' NATIONAL HISTORY 260 

her hearty support and sympathy. She led many move- 
ments leading toward purity. 

Miss Willard was a strong leader. She was always 
earnest, dignified, inspiring, and eloquent. 

In 1897, though quite ill, she presided over the National 
Women's Christian Temperance Union Convention. The 
following year she passed away. 

Miss Willard's work still Hves. From her death to the 
present the temperance cause has grown. Individuals 
became interested, states lent their support, and finally 
nations were won over. 

The great European War added the finishing touches. 
Russia led the way. The manufacture and sale of intoxicat- 
ing liquors were forbidden. England and France followed. 
These were war measures. 

In our own great country the movement grew stronger 
and stronger. In 1918, twenty years after Miss Willard's 
death, Congress made an amendment to our Constitution 
forbidding the making or sale of intoxicants. The states 
ratified this, and in January, 1920, an entire nation will 
forbid the production of that which has caused so much 
misery to the world — intoxicating liquor. ; 

To Miss Willard at her death came an honor that has 
been given to no other woman. The state of Illinois placed 
her statue in Statuary Hall in the Capitol building at Wash- 
ington. Illinois considered her one of the state's most 
illustrious citizens. 



